 |
 |
 |
 |
February 6, 2005:
Well, the Superbowl is over now. The Steelers won their first championship in 26 years. Goes to show you if you wait long enough, your team will win one. I have been waiting quite a while for the Miami Dolphins to win. I believe they are next. The baseball spring training will be here soon and I cannot wait. The Redsox will have a new look to them with the addition of Coco Crisp, no not the cereal, this is an actual person. I think they will do fine without Johnny Damon. Oh yes, about Johnny Damon....I heard that he recently went to a NY Rangers game and when he was annonced, he got booed by the crowd. Wow, great reception already!!!!
Will see what happens there in NY.
College basketball is heating up and Duke is again one of the top teams. It is amazing how year after year they are one of the most dominent teams in the country. A big match up is coming up this week between Duke and Carolina. That should be a good one, with Carolina being the current National Champs.
We have had a pretty mild winter here in NC. In fact, that was the warmest January I have seen since I have been living here. Blair and I, in fact, got a chance to play some golf here this past week. We had a good time and look forward to playing some more real soon. (18 holes next time, right Blaiooooooooooooooo).
As for the rest of my family of Harts, Judy will again be playing in her women's soccer league this spring, Ryan will again be playing soccer as well. She has been practicing alot and is ready!! Bailey has been going to Tae-kwon-do for the past two months and loves it. I really enjoy watching him grow with that! I have to tell you about last Saturday. They had a special test to do in front of their master and all the parents were there to watch what they have learned so far. The master told them to
walk a few feet doing front kicks,turn around and do more front kicks. Of about 15 kids all doing this at once, he was the only one doing the "HIYAH" sound every time he kicked! I just loved that. That is one big thing I admire about him. He does not care who is watching or about being embarrassed. He will be himself and does not care! He is even gaining some muscle tone because of all the pushups they do!! Keagan has mentioned socka too! I think she will be great at it. She now likes to
ride her big wheel up and down the cul-de-sac for excercise.
Thats it for now in our sports world.
Take care.
Kennard.
December 23, 2005:
Take that, Yankees!
The day after the Yankees signed free agent Johnny Damon, the Red Sox come back with a counter-punch like that of the great ButterBean!! The Red Sox stole the 38 YEAR OLD, washed up, has been BACK-UP catcher of the Yankees, John Flaherty. Not only is 38 ridiculously old to be a profesional athlete, but catcher's ages are calculated in Dog Years!!
Way to go, Red Sox! Way to keep your fan base happy! You let Pedro walk, then you let Theo walk, you deal All-Star Renteria, you let the Spankees steal your leadoff hitter (100 RBI LEADOFF HITTER!!), Manny wants out... but do not fret Red Sock fan... we have acquired the immortal JOHN FLAHERTY!!! I hope you're picking up on my sarcasm, because I'm laying it on pretty thick! It appears to be time to return to the misery Red Sox nation has become accustomed to!
--Leonard Mashentucket
December 21, 2005:
BREAKING NEWS: http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5185202
The Yankees grabbed center fielder Johnny Damon away from the rival Red Sox, reaching a preliminary agreement Tuesday night on a $52 million, four-year contract.
--submitted by Jim, Jr.
November 18, 2005:
Well, Now that the Stankees lost yet again...."Enough said", Its time to turn our focus on football!! Although I am a huge Dolphins fan, the Carolina Panthers have been a quite exciting team to watch. Leonard is figuring that out too, being the Pats fan that he is!! Things are also good with the Carolina Hurricanes Hockey team. I believe this is one of their best starts ever. Leonard, we gotta go to one of them games. Sean, we trying to push the sports thing on you.. I know you'll come around, but keep strong on your music!!
The Hart fam is going strong w/the soccer thing. Ryan will be starting back up next season and has been practicing just about every day. We got her a new soccer ball yesterday. Bailey is excited about Karate which will be starting next Monday, so thats cool. Keagan I think will be a soccer star. Shes a tough brut and we're ready to get her started!!
The Leonard fam is keeping it cool these days! Leonard is busy at his new job! Will have to try and get some winter golf in sometime! Emily does do her sprints through the Harts house w/Maeve and Keagan. Thats fun!
Katie is getting ready for her "have a baby tourny".....I know you'll do fine. Sean is hot on the band thing!
As for the rest of you family members, I hope that your sports world is as happy and bright as ours.
Have to say I miss Jimmy and his fam, but Jimmy, this just in...yankees lose, theeeeeee yankees lose!
This is Kennard signing off!
October 1, 2005:
| "enough said...." |
 |
--Submitted by Jim Condon, Jr. |
June 13, 2005:
Wow, Leonard, what an excellent softball update!! We had a rough team and were definitely in the wrong league. We had some rough games, with one game ending in a play at the plate. Yes, they threw our runner out at the plate and barely won, 24 to 0!! I mentioned it to one of their players after the game and he said he told the coach that they probably should have given us that one to save face!!! Ouch!!
Leonard, I thought you would keep the farting between us!! Since you mentioned it, I remember the fantastic, well, almost fantastic, Leonard play. A soft fly ball was lifted into foul territory off the first base side near the bleachers. Leonard, realizing we were down by a measley 17 - 0, decided to go for it. While he dove with such grace and furvor, he barely missed it and hit the ground HARD. Being a young Leonard, he popped back up and was ok.. For that play alone, I thank you Leonard. You gave your best. Speaking of giving your best, this team reminds me of a team I played on in 1974. It was the hi speed Esso Tigers in Bangkok Thailand!! Yes, it was my first year in t-ball!! Our team was not that good.. As a matter of fact we were 0 and ALOT!! We had one player who really, I am not sure why he was there. His name was, of all things, Oliver Boner. I distinctly remember one fine play he had. There was a fly ball hit to his position in right field. As I looked back to see if he might get lucky and catch one, I noticed that he was not looking. Not only was he not looking, he was facing the opposite direction towards the outfield fence picking dandelions!! What a moment!! Anyway, after that season I realized that, yes, you don't always win. Matter of fact sometimes you don't win at all. At our party, we actually received trophies from my dad, the coach. Ever since then, I have always loved the sport of baseball. Yes, Judy, it is a sport!!
This is Kennard in sunny Shelter Island on vacation,
I am out!!
June 9, 2005:
Ahhh, springtime in the south... this can only mean 1 thing: Church League Softball! Oh boy, Leonard & Kennard had some softball fun this spring. We were lucky enough to make the North Raleigh Church of Christ Team! Tryouts were hard, but we just barely made it. The season started out & we were having a lot of fun. And then it started to set in... we realized that we weren't going to win 1 game all season... and we didn't. I believe our record was 0-10, but who keeps counting after 4 or 5 losses in a row. And, folks, these weren't tough losses. These were, 'turn the TV off and go to bed, because this is so ugly' kind of loss. I believe our worst loss was 24-0. Oh, yeah, it got bad. But, it's all over now... but then again, I guess it was over before it really started. But this beckons the question: isn't Church League softball just for fun? To this I must answer with a resounding YES! (until the other teams start letting their handicapped & pre-teen ministries play against you - no offense intended towards the handicap people - Leonard & Kennard love ya!). Heck, Leonard's just happy they let him run around the bases with the bat, and Kennard enjoyed making 'dirt castles' while line drives were whizzing by his head... By the by, Leonard elected Kennard captain of the team because Kennard would fart while he was running the bases!!!
--Lenny
May 5, 2005:
Well, It has been a while since we have posted anything on the website. Alot has been going on since the Big NC Win!! Good job to Amy for keeping us informed and showing her UNC colors!! We have been in a fantasy baseball league. Who hoo, very exciting right!! Well, Leonard's team of course is called "Jiambi's Juice." His team is doing quite well and is one of the top teams in the league. My team, "The Bosox", is not doing too well. In fact, we are in last place. The Bosox start slow so I am not too worried. We are playing softball now in the the Wake Forest Church League. Unfortunately, there are no A, B, C and D leagues. We have always played in the D league. We are playing some really good teams. Our church, North Raleigh Church of Christ has lost some real strong hitters in the past few years due to people moving, so this year has really been tough. We are 0-5 at this point. Although, tonight was our best showing and we almost pulled one off. Leonard was clutch @ 1b and has been hitting really well. We made a great play together when he dove for a ball and passed it back to me as I was diving for 1st base. Nice play Leonard. I had a really good night @ the plate and went 4 for 4 w/2 doubles. Nice, but still lost. We had fun though!! Judy is playing soccer and playing quite well. She will have her end of season tournament in a couple weeks. Thats it for now. Anyone have any new sports updates please feel free to post.
This is Kennard and I am out!
Kenneth B. Hart
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
April 4, 2005: OH MY GOSH!!!!!! I am still in shock. We won... national champions... wow! I twisted both my ankles jumping around and then I hurt my knees when I fell to the ground when they won. Who knew them winning would cause me so much pain? I wish I could be in NC right now. Wow!!! I am wearing my UNC sweatshirt to work tomorrow with pompoms in hand! If you didn't watch the game you really missed out. Unfortunately the announcers were horribly one sided against Carolina, apparently we did nothing right to win THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Oh well, who cares. I have to wake up in a few hours so I better go. |
 Photo submitted by Jim
|
March 29, 2005:
Amy, I have to say it. Carolina is looking really good. They played really well the other night. I believe they cannot be stopped if they continue to get Sean May involved in most plays!! What a great tournament it has been! Even NC State made it to the Sweet 16!! I am a proud Wolf Pack Fan!
Baseball opening day is right around the corner. I think we have heard enough about steroid use. Let them play! Let them play! "Bad News Bears". The Bosox will of course be playing the hated Stankees of NY. That's right I said it. I am looking forward to a great season and the Bosox winning it again. With Leonard down here to root on the Bosox w/me this year makes it even better. Yes, my premonition last season was right. The Bosox did come back from 0-3 to the Yankees in what will be remembered as the greatest comeback in sports ever. That cannot sound more perfect. Sorry Jimmy!!
We will be teeing it up more often now once Leonard moves in to his new "Teepee" as I have seen it called!! I will be playing golf w/Brian today. Most likely at Cheviot Hills which is the oldest golf course in Raleigh and built in the 1940's.
As my bible study partner always says, "Keep the Faith".
This is Kennard and I'm out.
Kenneth B. Hart
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
March 27, 2005:
Well, I am still trying to get my breath back from the game last night. Wow!!! Who knew Villanova's little guys were so feisty. For those of you who don't know, Carolina won by only one point but that is all it takes. I guess Duke and NC State wish they had that one point over their opponents. HeeHee!! Well tomorrow we play Wisconsin... I mean c'mon Wisconsin, a sixth seed? Well we'll see. We have an Easter shindig with people in our church during the game on Sunday so some tough decisions will have to be made. More than likely I will have to check on the game periodically while I excuse myself to the "rest room". I wouldn't be lying I would be taking a "rest" from the festivities. Well, keep cheering for my boys!
--Amy
March 23, 2005:
| Well as any good sports enthusiast knows it is college basketball's "Big Dance"-The Sweet Sixteen. It is very exciting this year because 3 ACC teams have made it but only one truly matters-UNC. They are ranked number 2 in the country and most experts have predicted that they will win the national tournament. Carolina has had it's fair share of disappointing games, OK so they choked, but I am feeling good that Roy Williams can bring this team back to the glory days of Dean Smith. My sweet, sweet Dean.... I love that man. Jesus, David, and Dean...my loves... but I digress. UNC has a chance to possibly meet up with NC State again and possibly Duke after that. ACC teams are much more challenging to my beloved because the other teams are so jealous of their talent that they try extra hard... Well, God has chosen Carolina Blue to be the color of his beautiful sky so he must be a fan. We'll see if our boys are up to the challenge. They play on Friday evening, Good Friday, how Good will it be for them? We'll see. ---Amy |
 |
February 8, 2005:
Click here to view pictures of "Kennard & Leonard 's Winter Golf Outing" in Raleigh, NC
 |
On the left, Sarah Homet is sporting a Red Sox World Championship hat and a Patriots Superbowl Championship t-shirt. Now there's a true New England fan! --submitted by proud father, Brian Homet |
January 26, 2005:
Mom and Dad with "Stan the Man" Stan Musial in 1983
January 24, 2005: How about them 'Pats!! Bill Belichick now has the same playoff record as the immortal Vince Lombardi, 9-1. The Pats are going for their 3rd Super Bowl title in 4 years. If they accomplish this, they will have done what the great Dallas Cowboy teams of the mid-90's did... Unbelievable!! It's is certainly a fun time to be living in N.E. (but hopefully we'll be in Raleigh, soon). The Super Bowl is in 13 days. Will the Pats win back-to-back championships? They are currently favored by 6 points. We'll see what happens, but if they continue on the path they've been on, the Eagles may get embarrassed. ~ Leonard |
 (cartoon submitted by Jim) |
January 10, 2005:
$ $ $. Man can you believe the amounts of $ being thrown around in professional sports. Especially in baseball. Carlos Beltran is about to sign a 7 year $119 million contract w/ NY. No Jimmy, not the NY your thinking either. The Mets are spending some big bucks on Carlos and Pedro. Its just amazing. Man, I knew I should have worked out more in high school. Sorry, pipe dream, I know. Anyway, Thats just the way it is now. The sport of baseball just makes so much money. Players come and go like the days of our lives. Its amazing. I used to be a huge dodgers fan. You know, back when they had Garvey, Lopes, Baker and Cey. Thats when it seemed a team stayed a team for longer that just a year. Now, look at things. Houston is getting a face lift, as are the dodgers. I don't know what they are doing anymore. I lost faith in them when they got rid of Piazza. Now they are going to sign Lowe for almost $9 million a year after they got rid of one of the top hitters in baseball in Adrian Beltre. Who knows where they are going. Anyway, I am just amazed at the big money out there. Well football is in primetime playoffs right now and I am really pulling for Payton Manning. He is the top quarterback and is very fun to watch. He is so smart and quick and hits anybody who can catch the ball. It will be great to see the Colts win the Superbowl. Thats about it for now.
Go Bosox!! -
Kennard
December 20, 2004:
pic of Brooklyn Dodgers with William "Gunner" McGunnigle....
--Submitted by Jim
December 19, 2004:
YOGI BERRA QUOTES:"This is like deja vu all over again."
"Half the game is 90% mental."
"If I didn't wake up, I'd still be sleeping."
"Slump ? I ain't in no slump. I just ain't hittin."
"Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical"
"You can observe a lot just by watching."
"He must have made that before he died." -- Referring to a Steve McQueen movie.
"I want to thank you for making this day necessary." -- On Yogi Berra Appreciation Day in St. Louis in 1947.
"I'd find the fellow who lost it, and, if he was poor, I'd return it." -- When asked what he would do if he found a million dollars.
"Think! How the hell are you gonna think and hit at the same time?"
"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there."
"I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early."
"If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else."
"If you can't imitate him, don't copy him."
"You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six."
"It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much."
"A nickel isn't worth a dime today."
"Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded."
"It gets late early out there." -- Referring to the bad sun conditions in left field at the stadium.
"Glen Cove." -- Referring to Glenn Close on a movie review television show.
Once, Yogi's wife Carmen asked, "Yogi, you are from St. Louis, we live in New Jersey, and you played ball in New York. If you go before I do, where would you like me to have you buried?" Yogi replied, "Surprise me."
"Do you mean now?" -- When asked for the time.
"I take a two hour nap, from one o'clock to four."
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."
"You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough in the second half you give what's left."
"90% of the putts that are short don't go in."
"I made a wrong mistake."
"Texas has a lot of electrical votes." -- During an election campaign, after George Bush stated that Texas was important to the election.
"Thanks, you don't look so hot yourself." -- After being told he looked cool.
"I always thought that record would stand until it was broken."
"Yeah, but we're making great time!" -- In reply to "Hey Yogi, I think we're lost."
"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."
"Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel."
"It's never happened in the World Series competition, and it still hasn't."
"How long have you known me, Jack? And you still don't know how to spell my name." -- Upon receiving a check from Jack Buck made out to "bearer."
"I'd say he's done more than that." -- When asked if first baseman Don Mattingly had exceeded expectations for the current season.
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win."
"He can run anytime he wants. I'm giving him the red light." -- On the acquisition of fleet-footed Ricky Henderson.
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?"
"It ain't the heat; it's the humility."
"The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase."
"You should always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't come to yours."
"I didn't really say everything I said."-Submitted by Jim
December 17, 2004:
"Pedro has left for the Yankees." That would be the other New York team, the Mets. "The Yankees bats will be much quieter, though, now that Sheffield & Matsui have to come off the juice." Matsui on the juice? I'm not only a Yankee fan, I also live in Japan. Matsui, "Godzilla", the great Japanese-Yankee home-run hitter is the last person who'd be "on the juice". Looks like the Yanks will be getting Randy Johnson and the Sox are scarce in the pitching department. They are also getting older and older with the addition of David Wells. Do you guys have any interest in Kevin Brown? We'll even pay a good portion of his salary. Take him, please! I'm not sure how to feel about Giambi. He was on the juice - but I can't help but feel sorry for the guy. I doubt the Yanks will be able to get out from under his contract. Maybe he can be the rep for one of these weight loss programs with all the before and after pics out there. Pretty soon he'll look like Popeye without the spinach.
Jim
December 14, 2004:The baseball off-season has been a fun one thus far. A lot is going on, some good and some bad. Pedro has left for the Yankees. This, in my eyes, is a great thing. I think that a major league team is crazy to offer Pedro more than 2 years. His rotator cuff is 90% torn, and that is why he will not allow the Mets to give him a physical. Pedro went after the 4-year contract because he knows he's losing his stuff. I wish him the best with the Mets, I am just glad that the Red Sox management weren't stupid enough to offer him 4 years. Then there is David Wells: a 41 year-old who has chronic back problems and a history of pitching poorly in Fenway. Then there is Derek Lowe who will be offered arbitration by the Sox and it's rumored he will reject it. Curt Schilling has just stated that he will not, most likely, be able to start Opening Day because his ankle is healing slower than anticipated. On a positive note, we did just sign Edgar Renteria from the Cardinals, an All-Star shortstop. This is a good pick-up, but the Sox front office will certainly need to learn a lesson from last year's Yankees: Hitting without pitching will cost you a World Series. The Yankees have had some decent pick-up's, and I would be willing to bet they will have Randy Johnson by mid February. The Yankees bats will be much quieter, though, now that Sheffield & Matsui have to come off the juice. The Yankees are still eating Giambi's and Kevin Brown's contracts, and this could catch up with them when bidding for Johnson (I still think they'll get him). But, like it or not, champions are not determined in the off-season, but in October, and last October it was the Beantown Bombers who prevailed, through the worst collapse in sports history by the Yankees. Apparently, Steinbrenner didn't have enough money to buttress that collapse.
Leonard
December 12, 2004:
Leonard and Kennard,
I think we all still love baseball - in spite of all the negative press. Since we're out of season, might as well post updates on the Yanks and Sox acquisitions. Sox just got David Wells. In my opinion - he's over the hill, won't pose a threat to the Yanks and good for him for retracing the steps of Babe Ruth. He'll enjoy it. The Pedro Sweepstates? The Yanks and Mets meddled just enough to cause the Sox to pay quite a bit more money for him. We never wanted him. Any decent Yanks fan would have nothing to do with him. He too, is over the hill and the Yanks are "his daddy". We love having him pitch for the Sox - we always seem to do well against him. The Yanks got Wright and are about to get Pavano - both great improvements. We still might get Randy Johnson, who refuses to play with Kurt Shilling. He would be an instant Sox-killer. What's your perspective on the Sox off-season so far Leonard and Kennard?
Jim
December 11, 2004:
Jim, Thanks for the sports update. I think Leonard and I have been in some funk lately, not know what to say except "Go Bosox!!!!". Anyway, to the steroids issue. Man that is a mess. At least Giambi has enough heart and sole to confess. Bonds is in his own world and will always be. Just looking at pictures of Barry Bonds over his major league career, you can see the massive body change. It is just rediculous and sad. He his hitting the ball like he was a 20 year old man. I just hope he does not get too sick as he gets older. Giambi, well, he's already sick and who knows what might happen to him. Baseball is my favorite sport and will always be. It just needs alot of cleaning up!! Jim, take care and it is great to hear from you!
Kennard
December 8, 2004:
Thought I'd submit something for the Sports Update since the bros in law seem to have retired after their beloved Red Sox beat our Yanks. I still can't believe we have two Red Sox fans representing the Condons on this site - that is sac religious! I for one, am sick of sports. We have the brawls in the NBA, brawls in MLB, players in all sports in and out of court and now the steroids scandal. Even two of our Yanks have been doping. Some have said this is our own fault or it's the fault of the media. I agree there is truth to some of this. We create these super heroes and the players are rewarded with great fame and fortune when they make themselves standouts. Is all this now a sudden revelation? No way - look at the rookie cards and stats of Giambi or Bonds and tell me someone along the way didn't begin to wonder about steroids. Owners, players and fans have looked the other way because we need to maintain our idols and the owners, players and networds need to make money. George Steinbrenner knew about the possible steroid use of Jason Giambi when he signed him to his 80 million dollar contract - because it was about the money. Should Giambi or even Bonds be the "new face" of the steroids problem? No. As long as they are, up and coming young athletes will equate the steroid use with success and notoriety. The "face of steroids" in my opinion should be Lyle Alzado, former NFL linebacker who in his last few appearances on late night TV was a decrepit, sickly man. He died as a result of steroid use. Plaster his picture on the front cover of newspapers and show how glamorous steroid use is. In the mean time, I prefer watching Spongebob than most of the sports on TV. I sometimes wish I could have been around during the glory days of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.
Jim
November 10, 2004:
Wow, We are still getting over the euphoria of the Boston Redsox World Championship!! The weight is totally off the shoulders of the players and for that matter, the city of Boston . Now, we are in full swing in the football season. My Beloved Dolphins are in their worst season ever and are at 1 and 8. The coach has just resigned and I don't blame him.He needs to move on. I have been so happy over the past few weeks from the Boston win that I am not phased by the Dolphins demise this year. I know they will rebound!
As far as the Kennard home front goes we are quite busy. Judy is finishing up her women's soccer league. Her team kind of stinks this year and she got a little beat up last game by some big bruisers on her opponent's team. We are in the middle of our coed soccer season at the YMCA and having fun w/that. We have a brand new facility in Wake Forest for Ice Skating and indoor soccer where I will be starting to play this Thursday! Ryan just finished up her soccer and had a decent season. She will be taking some time off from that and engage other interests like singing and dancing. Bailey has not been doing much as far as sports these days. He's just chillin. Keagan has her gymnastics at preschool and is a mean tumbler!! Max does his daily sports jaunts out of the house as well!!
That's it for now.
Kennard.
October 28, 2004:
THE RED SOX WIN IT!! THE RED SOX WIN IT!! The curse has been broken and the sun is shining once again in Red Sox Nation for the 1st time in 86 years!! This is amazing. It definitely has not set in yet. The Red Sox have made history in several ways. They won 8 games in a row in the playoffs (Major League Record). They came back from being down 0-3 to the Yankees (only team in Baseball history to win after being down 0-3). They swept the Cardinals 4-0 in the World Series, a team that had 105 wins in the regular season. In the World Series, Schilling, Pedro, and Lowe did not allow any runs in 21 innings going against Walker, Pujols, Rolen and Edmonds! This is history - absolutely unbelievable. The downside: The elderly Red Sox fans are going to pass away like the bubonic plague just hit Boston. So many were holding on to see the Red Sox win it just once in their lifetime. So many people are going to turn out for the parade that Boston just may break off into the BAHHSTON HAAHHBAAAHH!! Oh Happy Day!! Could this be Armageddon?! The cows have come home, pigs can fly, and Yankee fans are humble... well, 2 out of 3 ain't bad!
~ Leonard (wearing my Red Sox backpack)
It is a great day to be a Redsox fan!! What a truly amazing story!! To come back from a 0 - 3 deficit to the Yankees and win the whole thing is absolutely amazing. But, This team did it. Thank you Dave Roberts for stealing second in the bottom of the ninth in game 4 of the ALCS!! Thank you Curt Schilling for an amazing performance while being injured. Thank you Johnny Damon, Manny Ramirez, Bill Mueller, David Ortiz..etc.. This whole team contributed!! They are the best Redsox team ever who has accomplished the impossible!! They have broken so many post season records this year!! Leonard and I have been conversing back and forth throughout the playoffs and have enjoyed every minute, since game four of the ALCS that is. Leonard, You celebrate your #$%^ off. You New Englanders deserve it. All the generations of Boston fans deserve it. I am so proud to be a fan myself. Thank you and god bless the Boston Redsox!!
Kennard.
October 25, 2004:
Sports in Boston are at a Fever Pitch!!
The Red Sox have not ceased their winning ways since finishing off the Yankees in 7 games. People suggested that maybe they were so "emotionally spent" from the Yankee's series that they would collapse in the World Series, as the YANKEES did last year losing to the Marlins in 5. But, The Boston Red Sox are up 2-0 in the series with Pedro Martinez pitching in Game 3, tomorrow night, in St. Louis. Boston fans are not getting ahead of themselves, though. We obviously know that a team CAN come back from being behind even 3 games, although, it takes a special team to concede that large of a lead. We also know that we have 86 years of history to show something will go terribly wrong at the last moment. But, we are enjoying this World Series! 2 wins away from our World Series Championship.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots won their 21st consecutive game. They eeked out a win against the undefeated New York Jets 13-7. New York fans are puzzled, scrambling to make reason of their teams recent demise to Boston franchises.--Leonard
October 21, 2004:
Well, folks, the fat lady has sung- and she's a Red Sox fan! Last night the Boston Red Sox DESTROYED & HUMILIATED the New York Yankees, on their turf, 10-3 to win the pennant and move on to the World Series! Derek Lowe threw 6 innings, giving up only one hit. David Ortiz started the game off on the right foot pounding a 2-run homerun in the first. Johnny Damon followed that up an inning later with a Grand Slam to make it 6-0. The game after that was never in doubt, and what a feeling it is to be a Boston Red Sox fan!! We beat the Yankees... WE CRUSHED THE YANKEES!! These Red Sox are the only team in the history of baseball to come back from behind 3 games. This curse has been lifted. The Red Sox are moving on the "The Show"! I must admit, it was great last night watching the faces of the Yankee players. Panic stricken. Sheffield crying about the strike zone, Jeter crying after grounding out to third, and A-Rod, well actually, I didn't even notice if he played in the game or not. The bat-boy contributed more to the Yankees than A-Rod did. The tide has turned and the EVIL EMPIRE has fallen! The Red Sox may not make it back to the World Series for another 18 years, but they did this year, and they steamrolled through the choking Yankees to do it!!
--Leonard
October 19, 2004:
New York Yankees Right Fielder, Gary Sheffield, was quoted in the Boston Herald saying the Red Sox are "a walking disaster. They act like they are tough but it's all a front. They're just a bunch of characters."Gary Sheffield's pride came before his, and his team's, fall last night as he went 0-4 in an 0-9 slump. The Red Sox have come out of nowhere and are now breathing down the neck of the vaunted New York Yankees.It was only two days ago that it seemed like the Red Sox and Yankees were going to play a game 4 as a mere formality before the Yankees advanced to the World Series. But, David Ortiz, and the Bean town Bombers decided to wake up and play. Ortiz has had back-to-back game winning hits that has brought life back to the rivalry, and the series. Tonight is game 6. The Yankees lead the series 3-2 as the two teams travel back to New York. Schilling will pitch for the Red Sox as Lieber pitches for the Yankees. If Schilling is on his game it could be low scoring night for the Yankees. We will see what happens, but if the Red Sox can rally behind Schilling and take tonight's game, then the series becomes a virtual coin-flip: It will be a 1-game-take-all game 7 on Wednesday.
The rosary beads are out in New England!
--Leonard
October 14, 2004:
Well, folks, the fat lady is taking a sip of water and getting ready to sing.
The Yankees have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the A.L.C.S. The Red Sox have put out their 2 best pitchers in Schilling and Pedro and the Yankees, per usual, found a way to win. The series is not over, yet, but the sights and sounds (and hopes) of many in Boston would indicate so. The next game is Friday night in Fenway. Maybe the Sox will be a different team on their own turf. Regardless, they must win 4 out of the next 5 games against the Yankees or this season is done. "It's Deja Vu all over again" -Yogi Bera
Leonard
The curse is lifted, the curse is lifted, the curse is lifted. Yes, Its true. The NY Yankees will go down in defeat. The great bambino came to me in a dream last night and stated that in fact, he is no longer upset with the Boston Redsox. He stated
That as long as the Redsox play smart baseball from here on in, then he will take care of the rest. Phew!! What a relief.
So, I can't wait until after game 6, when we Boston fans get to say, "Sorry Yankees, maybe next year"
What a relief this is. I'd like to say thanks to the Yankees for being such a formidable foe and especially thanks to the great Bambino for your lift of "THE CURSE".
BOSTON REDSOX
2004 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.............
Thanks,
Kennard
October 7th-8th, 2004:
Lots going on professionally and in the amateur world. First off, I would like to congratulate the Miami Dolphins for continuing to play thru this dreadful season. Yes, my beloved Dolphins are 0 and 4. For those who don't know, we lost the best running back in the league because he wanted to smoke the big WEED while touring Asia. So, Congrats to the Dolphins for continuing to fight. Now, we have the New England Patriots to play this weekend. Hey Leonard, take it easy on us this week. Don't be pulling any of that monkey dance you do when the true Leonard comes out!
Boston Redsox doing real well in the playoffs. Just waiting for the Stankies to falter. That's right I said it, Stankies. For you non baseballers, that is the Yankees.
On the home front, Ryan has a tournament this weekend and we are really looking forward to watching her play. She is getting better every year. Judy is keeping up w/her own soccer league and is playing very well. I continue to go to the YMCA workout program w/Judy and take the Cardio classes. Judy keeps telling me that the one aerobics leader's "xxxx" are in fact "FAKE". I keep telling her I don't even notice, although she is a xxxxxxxxxxx.
Bailey is doing great w/his, hopping and skipping he does when I drop him off at school each morning. He is really good at it and I am proud father!! We will be getting him into baseball again this next spring though.
Keagan's sports consists of gymnastics at the awesome preschool that Judy is running.
That's it for now.
What's Up Leonard? Where you at?
Kennard signing off.
I'm here, Ken...
The New England Patriots have now tied the NFL all-time record with 18 consecutive wins. With a win this Sunday over the Miami minnows, they will set the record for most consecutive wins ever in the history of the NFL.
In baseball, the Yankees are on the ropes, tied 1-1 in their series with the Twins. The Yanks have the experience and will probably pull it out, but either way they are not looking quite as sharp as those Red Sox. The Sox are up 2-0 in their series against the Angels, and with a win tonight they will win the series and play the winner of the Twins / Yankees series on Tuesday. Hopeful we can see the Red Sox / Yankees battle it out again in the American League Championship Series.
The Mashentucket Sports home front is not as exciting, apparently, as the Hart's, but Grampy let me run through their backyard with a chainsaw. We were having a lot of fun until he tried to stick my head in the log-splitter... I have applied for a job as the oil guy for professional chain-sawers, which would be a big promotion from charging batteries!!
Leonard
Other Sports news...
The Homet family decided to join the Stafford Althletic Club where Brian works out. He and Caryn will play a weekly game of tennis or raquetball depending on the weather.
Jessica's loving her Body Basics and Yoga classes. Brian even signed all the girls up for "Hula". (He thought it was an exersize class using hula hoops.) It actually turned out to be authentic Hawaiian hula dancing, which everyone loved except for Caitlyn.
September 28th, 2004:
This Week In Baseball...
The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees... need I say more. These 2 teams have battled it out on the diamond for decades. And here we are again: it's October - Playoff time. It looks like the Yankees are going to win the division, once again. The Red Sox will come in second, again, like the little brother always trying to beat his big brother: he'll come close, but not close enough. But all that matters is what occurs in the postseason. It's like my matriarch on the Res. once told me: "Hunt until Buffalo no more."
Well, baseball enthusiasts, could this be the year? Could this be the year that the stupid curse of the fat Bambino is broken? We will see, but Red Sox fans are sure this is it, the final dance - THIS IS THE YEAR!
What are Yankee Fans Thinking right now? Do they even worry that they may not win? Why should they worry? I wish I were a Yankee fan. That would be so much easier. Calm as a Hindu Cow.
But we shall see what happens this fall... and if all else fails... GO PATRIOTS!!--Leonard
This Week In Family...
The sports world has been a buzz. There is just so much going on. Hmmmmmm, where to start. Oh yes!!! My lovely and talented wife Judy has playing some hard core soccer with former college stars. Her team is 4 and 0 thus far. She is unafraid of any big women and will knock them over at any time! Ryan has been playing soccer for a while, but is considering putting her soccer career on hold to take on some Irish dance lessons. Bryan has joined the YMCA in Virginia and Caryn will be taking up roller skating. Katie continues to work out 3 times a week and her biceps are getting huge. Ken is determined to continue working out and get rid of the BEER BELLY!! Coed soccer is just around the corner for the Harts and we are so very excited about that. Caryn and Ken watched the Boston Redsox play the other night and are faithful that THIS IS THE YEAR. Ok, This is Kennard signing off as we are headed off to Oak Island, NC for a much needed rest from the SPORTS WORLD.
With God's Love,
Kennard !!!!
