By Michael Elliott
Sports Bouquet- Ah, spring is in the air and the sports world has blossomed. NBA basketball playoffs, NHL hockey playoffs, a plethora of professional golf playoffs, Major League Baseball starting up—sports in general. What say we tap into the aromas of a few of those varietals? Don’t forget your Claritin!
Hock It Up- I’m going to spew forth a personal belief of mine: Playoff hockey is the bomb! There is quite possibly no better playoff scenario around than a seventh game on ice where it’s all on the line. The drama is quite gripping throughout as bodies fly and sticks are high. Those hockey dudes are pound for pound the toughest men alive on the planet. Check some of this compelling action out if you dare, eh?
Department Of Youth- How refreshing it is to see new life being pumped back into the Ladies Professional Golf Association this season. Youth is definitely being served as teenage phenoms are capturing the headlines. Just this past week 17-year-old Brooke Henderson was atop the leaderboard after the third round of the Swinging Skirts tournament held just outside of San Francisco. Henderson showed poise and skill but, alas, she was run down by 18-year-old Lydia Ko, the No. 1 ranked golfer on the women’s circuit who captured the title in a playoff on Sunday. Um, Lydia turned 18 during the event! Reader’s disclaimer: If you are privy to the Alice Cooper song which has the same name as this paragraph’s title then you were probably spending way too much time listening to his “Welcome To My Nightmare” album instead of doing your homework or chores back in the day.
Potpourri- The Cal Poly baseball team has climbed two games above .500 in the Big West Conference.
Kevin Love’s dislocated shoulder is going to be troublesome to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ chances for an NBA title. Duh New Yawk Mets ah stahtin’ ta look amazin’ early on. The most mouthed cuss words not picked up by television microphones emanate from hockey coaches’ mouths. Is there a better defensive/offensive baseball catcher than St. Louis’ Yadier Molina? The recent rap on golfer Jim Furyck not being able to close out tournaments was put to rest as he showed major stones in winning the RBC Heritage in a playoff.
The Cuesta College Cougars baseball team holds its breath while hoping to get into the playoffs. Stephen Curry is the popular choice for NBA MVP, but I’m backing Houston’s James Harden as he carried a less-talented team into the playoffs.
Beware of Cali’s only NHL playoff team as the Anaheim Ducks convincingly flew past Nashville in the first round.
The inter-league play in baseball feels weird. Put up your dukes (and your pay-per-view money, if you dare) as Pacquiao-Mayweather launches this Saturday.
Boston Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens jumped from Butler University’s frying pan into the NBA fire two years ago but he is bringing that team along in fine fashion.
Hold the presses: At press time the Houston Astros were leading the American League West by 2.5 games! Got a chuckle out of the Lakers’ final box score this year as two of the starters had last names of Black and Blue.
Sow Your Seeds- Time is ripe all, for getting out and enjoying this magnificent weather we are blessed with. It’s amazing what a jog on the beach or a hike on a trail or a walk around the neighborhood can do for your health and soul. Exercise and a healthy diet are the keys to a longer and fuller life. Spring into action if so inclined. Smell the roses along the way. You’ll be glad you did.
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