Craw’s Sports Biz, 7/30/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

It seems baseball on the upper level has been slow to react to revenue enhancements. That is changing rapidly.

More stadiums are opening up their grounds on off nights to a variety of  events  such as yoga classes, hockey, concerts, golf and even professional wrestling. Being used for only 81 nights for just baseball does not cut it anymore for many MLB owners.

In Praise Of Small Acts

by Harry Cummins

     Emma Coburn is widely considered the best female steeplechaser the United States has ever produced. Last weekend at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, she captured her 8th national title to further support this assertion.

     Then she did a very small thing.

     Coburn was handed an American flag on a tiny stick for a victory lap in celebration of her win and the  right to once again represent the United States as their stepplechase champion in the upcoming World Track and Field Championships in Doha.

     Coburn could have kept the flag and posed for a thousand pictures.  Instead she walked over to the 4th place finisher in the race, Allie Ostrander, and handed her the flag.  Ostrander had made her first U.S. team because Coburn receives an automatic bid to Doha as the reigning World Champion. Event organizers, however, had provided flags for only the top 3 finishers in each event.

     "I've never been so happy to hold a tiny flag," said Ostrander, the 3-time NCAA Steeplechase champion from Boise State.

     In this one shinning moment for sport, there was no longer an aristocracy of achievement, wealth, intellect, or medals.  Power brokers and super-stars.... and you and I.  All of us handed the same two dozen hours a day from which to weave health, happiness, pleasure, respect and our identity.

     In a world where we rejoice in Grand Openings and applaud Grand Finales, we need to make more room every day for small acts of kindness.

 

   



   

Craw’s Corner, Sports Biz 7/28/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

NBC is expected to bring in $1.2 billion in advertising sales from their broadcasting sales for 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

NBC will also partner with Twitter for their nightly studio show and each morning viewers will be able to vote on what event they would like to see for 5 minutes on Twitter, live

each day.

Sharing sports on social media platforms is gaining, but still is in the infancy stage worldwide.

Cape Cod League Featured Monday on NESN

By Harry Cummins

     If you are fortunate to receive the New England Sports Network (NESN) on your cable package, you are in store for a treat Monday, July 29.

    At 2 p.m PST, you will be able to curl up on your couch (or a corner of your office cubicle) and watch the Brewster Whitecaps play host to the Bourne Braves, live from Stony Brook Field in Brewster, MA.  It is a rare chance to see via television just why the Cape Cod League is the premier amateur baseball league in the nation.

     The very best college baseball players from around the country migrate to the Cape every summer to play for one of the ten town teams that comprise the league.  The season runs from June to August, giving the players a chance to showcase their elite level skills to the many major league scouts that attend these games.

    The Cape Cod League began in 1885, but took off in popularity in 1963 when it was officially sanctioned by the NCAA.  In 1985, it became the first collegiate summer league to use wooden bats and now boasts well over 300 graduates who have gone on to play major league baseball.

     The 2019 season is drawing to a close this week, with league playoffs set to begin the following week. At present, the Chatham Anglers and the Falmouth Commodores are leading their respective divisions with identical 23-12 records.  T.J Collett, a University of Kentucky senior-to-be, leads the Cape Cod League this summer with 9 home runs for the Brewster Whitecaps.

    If you are unable to watch Monday's special telecast, go find the 2001 coming of age romantic comedy ('Summer Catch') set against the backdrop of the Cape Cod League.  It is a cliched and predictable sports comedy that nevertheless will have you looking for the next flight to Boston and a rental car.

Craw’s Corner, Sports Biz 7/27/19

By Gregory Crawford, @wchoops

Steve Ballmer , owner of Clippers wants to build a new arena for his team, using his own money, the site being in the city of Inglewood. Something to think about.

1. You may or may not know, James Dolan owner of the Knicks, well his company owns the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, the former home of Lakers. Dolan has previously brought legal challenges to any new arena and is sure to do so again when it comes to city of Inglewood.

2. The new arena will open in 2024 if it goes forward, about the time or close when many of present Clippers’ stars will be close or have expiring contracts. Could Clippers get bad again?

3. If this hits a legal snag, would Ballmer move the Clippers to his home area of Seattle, where a beautiful new Key Arena would await?

O's Move Adley Rutschman To IronBirds

After Just 5 Games In Gulf Coast Rookie League, Baseball's Top Draft Pick Is Moving Up to Aberdeen, a mere 34 miles from Camden Yards in Baltimore

By Harry Cummins


     Major League Baseball's top draft pick this year, Adley Rutschman, is slated to make his first game appearance in the state of Maryland Saturday night (July 27),  his second stop already on what should be a rapid rise to the Baltimore Orioles.

     After playing just 5 games with the Rookie League Gulf Coast in Bradenton, Florida, the former Oregon State Beaver is moving up to the Class A short-season Aberdeen IronBirds and hopefully will be in the lineup when the IronBirds play Hudson Valley at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen tomorrow night. Ripken Stadium is just 34 miles from the Orioles home at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

     Rutschman's pro debut got a late start as the 2019 college player of the year battled with mononucleosis following his selection as the No 1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft in June. In five games with Gulf Coast, Rutschman had a home run, two RBI's and a stolen base. He caught two games and was the DH for the other three games.

     If Rutschman plays well at Aberdeen, he could be promoted again this season to Low-A Delmarva, which has already qualified for the South Atlantic League playoffs.

     Rutschman is considered to be the most advanced catching prospect to enter the draft in over a decade and the Camden Yards faithful will be watching every step of the journey with great anticipation.

Craw’s Corner, Sports Biz 7/25/10

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

“Keeping up with Joneses” and “Build it, they will Come”, sayings that will last forever in sports business.

Latest perfect example is Pac12, moving their championship game to Las Vegas when Raiders’ new stadium is ready and Mt. West/ PAC-12 in bowl matchup that will be played in Chargers/Rams new stadium and will be called LA Bowl.

Old sometimes sustains, but new always sells.

Craw’s Corner, Sports Biz 7/24/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Over the years when you are in sports business, you develop some great sources for all kinds of sports info. One of those great sources told me today, Montreal is without a doubt the leading candidate to get either a team that moves or a possible expansion team. She went on to tell me no city that wants a team can come close to the powerful and wealthy group that wants to bring baseball back to Montreal.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz 7/23/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Bankers Life Arena, home of the Indiana Pacers and much more, is getting a new “Life”. To the tune of $265 million in renovations. At the same time the Pacers have extended their lease through 43-44 NBA season. The big question, in 43-44 will there be robot referees?

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz , 7/22/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Offbeat question for you  tonight. What is your favorite venue to watch a live sporting event. Whether it be golf, basketball, tennis or NASCAR, you get the idea. Now your turn.

'Dr. Smooth' Chasing First Batting Crown

By Harry Cummins


      Sweet-swinging Michael Brantley of the Houston Astros has gone from the "player to be named later" in a 2008 trade to perhaps the leading candidate for the American League MVP award this year.

     Brantley is riding a current 23 for 52 (.442)  hit streak that has moved him to within 1 point of the AL batting average lead currently held by D.J. LeMahieu (.333) of the New York Yankees.

    Dubbed 'Dr Smooth' for his easy style of play, Brantley is in his 11th major league season, 10 with the Cleveland Indians.  The 3 time All-Star signed a free-agent contract with Houston this past off-season, and has put up MVP type numbers this year with the first place Astros.

     With approximately 60 games remaining in the regular season, Brantley is hitting .332 with 15 HR's and 55 RBI's.  He is 4th in the AL in hits (122);6th in doubles (26);6th in OB% (.391%) and 6th in OPS (.921%).
 
     Brantley, 32, is the son of former MLB player and coach Mickey Brantley.  The Indians acquired the outfielder in the 2008 trade for C.C. Sabathia as "the player to be named later".  Suffering thru several injury riddled season with the Indians, Dr Smooth is healthy and showing why he may be the best off-season acquisition by any team in baseball.

     Coming off a 3 for 3, two homer game yesterday against the Texas Rangers, Brantley and his Astros play host to the Oakland A's tonight.  Brantley will sit comfortably in his familiar clean-up spot in the lineup...baseball's smooth hit man.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/21/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

The Oakland-LA-Oakland-Las Vegas Raiders’ new stadium in Las Vegas is officially half way completed as of last week and and the total budget now has increased to $1.9 billion with the addition last week $40 million more from Las Vegas Stadium Authority. The additional money will allow for 20 more suites than originally budgeted. 

Golf and More Golf

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

1. Next men’s golf major, April 9-12th, 2020. For my money the schedule is now too condensed. Golf needs a big event in the Fall, not just every other year, Ryder Cup. 

2. Outside of the Masters, the majors this year were BORING. They are by all standards wonderful human beings, but will Woodland and Lowry ever win another major?

3. I am still sticking to my prediction that Tiger will not break Jack’s record. Something to ponder, which is not good for anyone’s back, all 4 majors could be played in really cool weather considering their time of year.

4. Brooks Koepka is correct, professional golfers are becoming slower and it is hurting the viewing of the game.

Most importantly, more golf will be coming to Craw’s Corner.

Craw’s Corner, Sports Biz 7/20/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Very excited to announce that the one and only Steven Weldon will be covering the NFL and College Football for us right here on Craw’s Corner. With our legendary Harry Cummins continuing his outstanding contributions we have a solid team and will be adding to that in near future.

@wchoops in addition will increase the presence of more sports business, the future is bright.

We would love to have you be part of our team, if you like to write and you love sports, contact us crawscorner@gmail.com

Thanks for reading.

Max Kepler's Amazing Feat Highlights Baseball Week

Twins HR King Connects For 5 Straight off Indians Trevor Bauer

by Harry Cummins

     German-born Max Kepler of the first place Minnesota Twins leads his resurgent team with 23 home runs this season.  He might have twice that total if he could face All-Star pitcher Trevor Bauer of the Cleveland Indians more often.

      In the span of two games between these two Central Division rivals, one played on June 6 and the other July 14, Kepler connected for 5 home runs in 5 consecutive at bats against the Indians hurler.  Kepler took Bauer deep 3 times on June 6 and followed that up with 2 more home runs in his first two at bats July 14 vs Bauer.

     The long ball feat was the longest streak in expansion era history for homers in consecutive at bats against one pitcher in a single season.

     This was unfathomable that it happened right before our eyes," said Twins rookie manager Rocco Baldelli.  "Nobody had ever seen anything like it."

     Indeed they hadn't.

Hassan Breaks Women's Mile World Record

Is Hassan the Sports Most Versatile Runner?

By Harry Cummins

     Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and the Nike Oregon Project, broke the long standing women's world record in the mile this week in Monte Carlo, running a stunning 4:12.33 in a Diamond League meet.

    The race was named the Brave Like Gabe Mile and dedicated to U.S. runner Gabe Grunewald, who died last month at the age of 32.  Hassan bested the previous world best of 4:12.56, set in Zurich in 1996 by Russian Svelana Masterkova.

     It was the second world record set in 2019 by an athlete coached by Alberto Salazar.  Yomif Kejelcha broke the men's indoor mile world record in Boston in March.

     Hassan can now lay claim to the title as the most versatile runner in her sport.  In the past two years, she has shattered records in events from 800 meters all the way to the half-marathon. Her greatest challenge may be in simply mapping out the best possible distance in which to capture World and Olympic medals in the months ahead.

     Just last month, Hassan shattered the 17 year-old European record at 3,000 meters in winning the Prefontaine Classic at Stanford. 

   

Westwood and Storey - Irish Tee for Two

Romance at Royal Portrush

by Harry Cummins

     Six of the last eight winners of the British Open have been 35 years of age or older.  This leaves 46 year old Englishman Lee Westwood sitting pretty right now, tied for 3rd at 7 under par, just one shot off the lead as the 'golfing championship of the world' heads into the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday in Northern Ireland.

     Westwood is bidding to become the oldest first time major winner in golf history and has his girlfriend, Helen Story, as his caddie to keep close company in the chase.

     "She doesn't know much about golf, but she knows a lot about how my mind works," says Westwood, who is regarded by many as the finest player never to win a major. Westwood and countryman Luke Donald are the only two golfers to reach the number one ranking in the world despite never winning a major. In 2010, Westwood held the number one position in the world for a total of 22 weeks, ending the reign of Tiger Woods.

     This is the first major where Storey has been on the bag for Westwood.  "It's no easy feat carrying that bag"says Westwood.  "Especially in this weather.  It's fully loaded up.  It's got everything in it."

     Hopefully, there will be room enough for a silver jug come Sunday.

     

     

Five Things: College Football

The pageantry. The tradition. The atmosphere.

Those are usually three of the points fans make when they explain why they love college football.

I can not relate to any of those.

I did not attend university. I finished my schooling at the community college level (Let's go Clackamas Cougars!).  I didn't experience tailgating on gameday, planning out signs and chants against opposing teams, group dorm activities that occurred on gamedays, et cetera. 

Alas, I still get excited every season for a brand new set of college kids to slap on the pads and hit the gridiron. Here are five things I'm excited about this coming season.


5. Autzen & Reser Stadium

I don't go to many college football games, as the last one I attended was Cal at Oregon State in 2016. I'm not a Beavers fan, nor am I a real Cal fan, but it was a blast. While on paper, Cal was miles better, they played down to their opponent. In the end, it was a 52-49 overtime victory for Oregon State. The best college football game I've ever seen live. The stadium experience was great, and the seats I had were amazing given the price. It was all I could have asked for out of a college game. On the flip side, I haven't had a chance to see Autzen get fired up as normal. This is something I've been waiting to see. In two visits, it's been a 69-7 drubbing of Portland State and a surprising 62-20 loss to Utah. Both games in hand by the third quarter. I need to see Duck fans get to the level I'm used to seeing on television!

4. College Offenses

The de facto minor league system for the NFL is changing the NFL by starting here. The offenses are more wide-open, leading to higher scoring games and alternatively, more exciting defensive plays. If you're looking for some high scoring games, check out teams from the ACC and the PAC-12. If you smashmouth defense, watch the SEC and BIG TEN. Regardless, all leagues have explosive offenses and even the worst teams can get a nice big play off. It's fun to watch.

3. Saturdays Are For The Games

Over 120 teams are playing in NCAA FBS Division 1, and most of them will only play Saturday. Turn on your television and watch ESPN College Gameday at 6 AM and then stay watching football until midnight. It's all there, all day. With the advent of the internet, you don't even need to be stuck watching one game. ABC, ESPN, FOX, FOX Sports 1, ACC Network, BIG TEN Network, PAC 12 Network, you won't miss a beat.

2. Upset City

Unless you are a fan of a team in the process getting upset, this is pretty fun. While you can flip around between games, watching a team that could be seen as lowly topping a ranked team is hilariously awesome. Because of the aforementioned college offenses, a team can make a comeback quickly if they make very little mistakes. On the other side, a game can change hands very quickly if the opposing defense makes enough plays. Remembering these are still amateur athletes really puts the game in a different scope. Can a specific quarterback make the right read, or will he panic and throw it into coverage? This is what makes upsets so prevalent. Sometimes a stud freshman makes the big plays one week but crumbles the next. It's what keeps me coming back for random teams I have no investment in.

1. #PAC12AFTERDARK

In my day job, I work retail. As a manager, I work eight-plus hours a day, usually on weekends. I just don't have time to watch all the games I want to, and even when I do have a day off, I've got a wife and kids who do not want to spend all day watching college football. My savior? It's known as PAC-12 after dark. It's only called that because of the conference's games starting after the east coast has gone to bed. A 6 PM/7 PM west coast start time is 9 PM/10 PM eastern time. No normal east coast football purveyor is going to stay up for that. That's why college football is best consumed on the west coast. Additionally, I can be closing the store at work on a Saturday night and make it home to watch the whole second half of a game. It's amazing, it's a tradition, and it's not just my own. It is my hands-down favorite thing about college football.


I'm back, and I'm going to be covering NFL and College Football here at Craw's Corner. Possibly some other pieces. Follow me on twitter, @airweldon. 

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/17/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Sarah Kustok, pictured above with her TV partner Ian Eagle was recently recruited heavily by Clippers to be their TV analyst. She decided to stay with her present employer the Brooklyn Nets and has signed a long term deal.

For last 5 years straight the Nets have had the lowest local TV ratings in entire NBA. With the addition of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, it would certainly appear that those ratings are about to change big time. Good move Sarah, although for obvious reasons Clipper TV is going to go up as well.

...And The Coveted Claret Jug Goes To...?

Royal Portrush (Dunluce links) in Northern Ireland

by Harry Cummins

     For only the second time in its storied 148 year history, the British Open this year won't be contested on the undulated sod of Great Britain or Scotland.

     The greatest golfers in the world will instead converge on Northern Ireland this week to vie for the right to raise the iconic Claret jug.  There are no less than 15 past British Open Champions in the select field that will stroll the giant sandhills and plateau greens of Royal Portrush, also the site of the 1951 Open.

     My pick?  Take a flyer on the threesome teeing off Thursday at 10:21 (EST) I say the winner of the 2019 Open Championship will emerge from this grouping of Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantley and Matt Kuchar.


     Northern Ireland's own, Rory Mcllroy, is the opening line 8-1 favorite to capture the title which will be contested over this 7,344 yard, par 71 layout.  When he was just 16 years old, Mcllroy shot a record 61 on this same course in a qualifying round for the 2005 North of Ireland Championships.

     The world's No 1 player and 4-time major winner Brooks Koepka is also looking for a local edge. His caddie, Ricky Elliott, grew up playing Royal Portrush and estimates he has played over 1,000 rounds on the course.  Elliot's parents house is still located 1/4 mile from the famed links.

     There are few settings in golf to rival the panoramic beauty of Royal Portrush. The hills of Donegal in the west, the isle of Islay and Southern Hebries in the north and the Giant's Causeway and Skerries to the east.  The course is overlooked by the ruins of the 13th Century Dunluce Castle.

     Starting Thursday, the attention of the entire sporting world will be on this former fishing village now a world famous holiday resort. With the rescheduling of the PGA Championship to May, this will be the final major of the golf season. Defending champion Francesco Molinari leads a field of 156 golfers expected to draw a record 200,000 spectators. All tickets to the event have been sold nearly a year in advance.

     It is cause for great celebration for an area so troubled by sectarian violence in it's past. The conclusion of the third round this year will be greeted by a somewhat controversial celebration of marching bands and a 3 hour concert in the center of town.

     With the finishing holes at Portrush nicknamed 'Calamity Corner' and 'Purgatory, a most memorable week on the Emerald Isle can be expected.

 

NBC Sports Group will offer 410 hours of OPEN TV coverage from Portrush

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/15/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

The Las Vegas Aviators of Triple AAA Coast League are playing in  brand new 10,000 seat ballpark this year and so far it has been a smashing success.

Understatedly named Las Vegas Ballpark, in 45 home games the Aviators have averaged 9,650 fans per game. That not only leads all of minor league baseball in attendance, it also beats MLB’s Miami Marlins average this year of 9,400 fans per game. 2004 was last time for a season a minor league team bested a major league team, when Sacramento bested big league Montreal in average attendance for an entire season. 

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz 7/14/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Would you attend a sporting event where it was phone free? More teams are thinking of having at least one game cell free. There even is a company that has developed a device to lock up your phone, until the night is over.

By far the biggest event that is phone free in sports is Masters. What do you think? This writer’s opinion is a phone free event for me is a NO GO.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz 7/13/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Aloha Stadium, site of so many great football games in Honolulu since 1975 is being replaced.

Mayor David Ige has signed a bill allocating $350 million for new stadium in Honolulu to replace Aloha Stadium. 

Nothing like sporting events in Hawaii, our great 50th state.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz 7/11/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Big winners and losers in attendance so far this year from 2018 comparatively.

Phillies up 34 percent 

Twins up 17 percent 

Pirates up 14 percent 

Toronto, Giants and Tigers all down 16 percent.

Takeaway, winning and losing has the biggest impact for most cases in all of sports, when it comes to attendance. 

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz 7/10/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

ESPN so far is having a great year. Ratings for June are up 21 percent over June of 2018 and for year ESPN ratings are up 8 percent over 2018. This is all without even much football coverage in full swing yet.

Much of ratings boon can be attributed to Mike Greenberg and Stephen A. Smith and shows they host.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/9/18

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Minor league baseball is a hot sports property and it has been for many years.

In 2018 there were 160 minor league affiliates of Major League Baseball teams. Combined those 160 teams had merchandise sales of $74 million, up from $71 million in 2017. That same merchandise figure was $43 million in 2014. 

That is called successful growth.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/8/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

The Arizona Coyotes of the NHL are making a strong bid and case to host an outdoor game.

The site would be Sun Devil Stadium, home of Arizona State.

Phoenix is a tremendous sports city, so let’s all hope This happens.

Dylan MacLean's No-Hitter Highlights Summer Tourney

MacLean, Spitznagel show why they are Oregon's top prep players

By Harry Cummins

     Dylan MacLean (Central Catholic 2020) was recently named Oregon's high school baseball Player of the Year  by Prep Baseball Report.  At the same time, another national entity, MaxPreps, announced that Will Spitznagel (Jesuit 2019) had been selected for the same honor as the state's best.

     In one classic baseball game played this weekend at the prestigious 15th annual Curt Daniels Invitational Baseball Tournament, the two Oregon prep stars showed just why they were selected for such high honors.

     Summer teammates now playing for Portland Baseball Club, MacLean and Spitznagel were locked in a scoreless game entering the bottom of the sixth inning against Narrows Baseball from Washington.  Thanks to a lead-off triple to the deepest part of the cavernous Concordia University field by Nolan Thebiay (2019 Wilsonville/Montana State commit )PBC was able to load the bases with 2 out in the inning.

     Spitznagel then stroked his second hit of the day, a sinking line drive to CF, that rolled out of the glove of a diving Cade Dessert (Gig  Harbor HS 2020).  The only 3 runs of the game scored on the spectacular play and sent PBC and their ace, MacLean, out for the seventh and final inning, attempting to protect his no-hit bid.

     MacLean retired the first two hitters in the inning before issuing a walk.  The final out came on a hard hit ball to the shortstop, none other than Spitznagel, who fired the throw to first and complete this showcase baseball game for the two prep standouts.

     MacLean, who has already commited to play for the University of Washington Huskies, led all  Oregon 6-A pitchers this past season in Wins, ERA, and Strikeouts.  Spitznagel will play next season for the Oregon Ducks.  Both players were part of the 6-A Boys baseball championship game last month, won by Jesuit 2-1 over Central Catholic, in 12 innings.

     A special note of recognition should go to Narrows centerfielder Dessert, who besides going 4 for 4 in an earlier game the same day against the Seattle Stars, made a miraculous back hand snag after sprinting deep into the right-center gap to keep the game scoreless.  

     The 6-day, 12 team Curt Daniels tournament ends Monday, July 8, with 3 games at Hudson Bay High School in Vancouver.

10am   Seattle Stars vs Vancouver Mavericks
12:30   Gunderson vs Portland BB Club

3pm     Championship Game

     

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/7/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

The Clippers have a lease to play in the Staples Center through the 23-24 NBA season. One has to figure if they win an NBA championship as many are predicting now that they have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they just might want their own arena.

Possibilities 

1. They with success could become the big dog in Staples Center, demand a sweet deal and extend there. 2. There still is land available in the LA area for sweet new arena. 

3. Yes, that Forum, the “Fabulous Forum, site of so many Laker titles and a place always looking for new tenants. Ironically The Forum is owned by Madison Square Garden Company, yes that company that owns the Garden and Knicks. 4. Have to put this in, it is an unpredictable world, just maybe Steve Ballmer will say I own the Clippers and I don’t want to be in same town as the Lakers, we are moving back to my hometown of Seattle.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz 7/6/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Takeaways from NBA free agency

1. LeBron lost his title of Assistant Commissioner.

2. Will Toronto be a “one hit wonder”?

3. Can the Lakers and Clippers even survive a short time in same arena?

4. As a fan, do you like the fact it is no longer a players league, the players totally run the league?

Yankee Doodle Dandy!

A No-Hit 4th of July,1983

by Harry Cummins

     Today marks the 36th anniversary of the best 4th of July I ever experienced.

     On a sweltering 94 degree afternoon in 1983, I joined 40,000 others at Yankee Stadium to witness Dave Righetti throw the first no-hitter at the Stadium in 27 years, the first since Don Larsen's Perfect Game in the 1956 World Series.

     It took Righetti 128 pitches, the last one a wicked slider that fanned the best hitter in the AL at the time, Wade Boggs.

     That night, I sat on the banks of the East River and watched holiday fireworks light up the New York City skyline.

     Fourth of July in America.

     Enjoy your day everyone.   Especially you, Rags!

   

   

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz 7/4/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Biggest money earner in Nascar for 2018 was Jimmie Johnson at $17.5 million, of which $14 million came from salary/winnings, the rest from endorsements. Good news so far in 2019 after years of decline, TV ratings are up.

One reason Kawhi Leonard might sign with either Lakers or Clippers over the Raptors, he would save $11.4 million in taxes. I guess at least I am counting.Nascar

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/3/19

By Gregory Crawford, @wchoops

 From sports business standpoint, I totally agree with Knicks decision not to pursue Kevin Durant in free agency. Yes he is a super star, but to pay a person for one year and he never plays? Of course it demoralized Knick fans around the world, whose only consolation might be getting the first pick overall in 2020 NBA Draft.

Now tell me what you think please.

Craw’s CORNER Sports Biz, 7/2/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Never too soon to think about college football. Just out today that the Florida State football program is in danger of selling only 25,000 season tickets out of the 40,000 available in their main bowl.

If it happens it would mean a revenue drop from $25 million to $15 in revenue dollars on season tickets. Reasoning behind this, poor play last few years and crappy home schedule.

Not something to CROW about.

Craw’s Corner Sports Biz, 7/1/19

By Gregory Crawford @wchoops

First day of free agency for NBA saw the unreal figure of $2.6 billion of agreed upon contracts.

Speaking of money, first time ever Auburn is cutting their athletic budget across the board by 10 percent.

Auburn AD Allen Greene had a great way of couching the cut, saying he just wants coaches to be more cognizant of how money is spent. A good way to positively address the family budget.