What I Never Learned About Soccer

Full disclosure:

1.) What I don't know about soccer could fill the Library of Congress.

2.) My friend and sometimes work colleague is doing PR for a soccer (or should I say football) club visiting Chicago so she invited me to a pre-game event.

What I found there was surprising (to me): 350 passionate fans of Everton FC, an English Premiere League football club, had packed out the back of Chicago bar to see the key players including American goalie Tim Howard and to hear about the Club's pre-season U.S. tour. Doesn't take a lot more than that to know that something exciting is happening.  The sport that I know diddly about is worth knowing about.  (Note to self...Duh!  It's about time!)

So, my friend's getting tix to a big international game, Barcelona vs. Chivas, on Sunday night at Solider Field and I'm tagging along.  If it's half as interesting and entertaining as the gathering the other night, soccer will have a new member in its fan club (albeit a very, very tardy one.)

Final note:  check out the June 26, 2008 issue of Sports Illustrated and the Chris Mannix article on  how he went from a "strident soccer basher...into a futbol fanatic." 

Today's Special

Inspired by the amazing shindig my brother and his girlfriend threw last night, I'm dousing the charcoal briquettes and firing up the sports grill today.  

Today's topic: the All-Star game.  Some thoughts and memorable moments:

> Pre-game - What can I say?  I love seeing the game's legends come back.  

> Yankee Stadium - the 15 inning marathon turns into a long farewell for the House that Ruth Built.  Fitting.

> Just say Drew - J.D. Drew steps up...again. 

> Dan Uggla - 3 errors.  He's a better player than that.  He'll be back.  Period. 

> Re-plays - I could've watched them a few more times.  They sparked some awesome conversations.

Daily Stream of Sports Consciousness

So, you've stumbled onto another sports blog.  Depending on how you feel after you read this, congratulations (or, my apologies.) 

This blog is the result of prodding and pressure from a co-worker who, I suspect, is tired or overwhelmed by my daily blurtings about sports. I'm a pretty passionate follower, viewer and player.  Talking about them just come naturally.  

First up:  The home run derby at last night's All-Star game.  Josh Hamilton's performance was nothing short of awesome.  At least one columnist has already hailed him as the Comeback Player of all time.  I'll leave such pronouncements to the paid professionals.  Raw talent like his is pretty darn rare.