June 29, 2008

It happened at Dodger Stadium on May 7, 2008, and it might never happen again. Los Angeles batter James Loney hit a foul ball that was caught by a fan named Glen Walker, who was sitting in Section 11, Row N, Seat 1. On the very next pitch, Loney hit another foul ball. Not that unusual, except that this one was caught by a fan named Joe Castro, who just happened to be sitting in Section 11, Row N, Seat 2. Two pitches, two foul balls, hit to two fans sitting right next to each other – what are the odds?

You’ve probably never heard of John McDonnell, but if ever there were a coaching legend, he was one. McDonnell guided the University of Arkansas track and field team for 36 years, becoming the most successful coach in his sport in U.S. history. A native of Ireland who retired after the 2008 season, McDonnell entered his final campaign having coached 23 Olympic athletes, and his Razorbacks had won 42 individual national championships and 83 individual conference titles. Well done, coach McDonnell.

Here’s a story on the sometimes sorry state of sports fanaticism these days. After playing a February 2008 exhibition game with his Los Angeles Galaxy team in Hawaii, international soccer superstar David Beckham gave his jersey to two youth soccer teammates, ages nine and ten. When the two were unable to decide who should keep the souvenir, their parents got involved. After failing to come up with a compromise, the families promptly hired lawyers who sent letters threatening lawsuits. Reportedly, a battle of rock-paper-scissors between the two kids didn’t resolve the matter.

Jay Ward
jayward@wardlumber.com