((ht: mlb.com))
We'll post this on the hope it doesn't get pulled, because quite honestly, it's embarrassing.
Let's set the scenario. Fox is known for gratuitous self-promotion and merciless shilling for their shows and movies during live sporting events. So, lo and behold in the middle of the 4th inning who should find their way to a Fox camera out in the Pool area at Chase Field but Justin Timberlake. The same Timberlake with a movie due out any day now.
Let's just say, that while we respect Timberlake's comedic talents on shows such as Saturday Night Live, this wasn't so funny. Mostly because he was drunk. And partially because Mark Grace is absolutely inept as an interviewer. Listen for Joe Buck reminding him to ask about the movie.
Words can't add to the effect, so watch the video.
Courtesy: MLB.com until Major League Baseball gets mad and has it pulled:
Showing posts with label MLB All Star Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB All Star Game. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
"White Ribbon" Immigration Protest Planned At All-Star Game
((HT: KPNX-TV Phoenix))
Critics of Arizona's SB 1070 immigration law in Arizona are planning a protest outside Chase Field for tonight's All-Star Game.
The group Somos America plans to have up to 75 members stationed outside the stadium to pass out white ribbons to fans who may support their aims.
Founding President Roberto Reveles says that they want to express their opposition to the law.
SB 1070 requires all immigrants to obtain or carry immigration registration papers and requires police, while enforcing other laws, to question people's immigration status if there is a reasonable suspicion they're in the country illegally.
The law is being challenged in federal court.
Obviously...
Here's the sit-down with local attorney Daniel Ortega...
Critics of Arizona's SB 1070 immigration law in Arizona are planning a protest outside Chase Field for tonight's All-Star Game.
The group Somos America plans to have up to 75 members stationed outside the stadium to pass out white ribbons to fans who may support their aims.
Founding President Roberto Reveles says that they want to express their opposition to the law.
SB 1070 requires all immigrants to obtain or carry immigration registration papers and requires police, while enforcing other laws, to question people's immigration status if there is a reasonable suspicion they're in the country illegally.
The law is being challenged in federal court.
Obviously...
Here's the sit-down with local attorney Daniel Ortega...
Sunday, May 9, 2010
D-Backs Response To SB1070
((ed. note- This is a response to the current discussion over SB1070- the "immigration bill" signed in the state of Arizona- as distributed by the Arizona Diamondbacks themselves. The HQ figures we'd post this in the nature of equal time.))
Imprudent Boycotts Aim to Hurt Arizonans
By Greg Salvatore
The D-backs finished an 11-game road trip last night, with a series win in Houston, polishing off the longest road trip the team will take this season.
Along the way -- in Denver, Chicago and Houston -- the organization encountered one thing in common, small groups of protesters outside the stadiums. In Denver, it was a handful of people, in Chicago it was 40 or so, then a couple dozen in Houston. In each instance, protesters were voicing opposition to Senate Bill 1070, the law recently passed by the Arizona State Legislature pertaining to illegal immigration and the enforcement of immigration laws.
In Houston, a second pro-1070 protest took place across the street from the anti-1070 group. Squarely in the middle of those two protests, and squarely in the crosshairs of all of them, were the Arizona Diamondbacks, despite the fact that the team never took any formal or informal stance one way or another in regard to SB 1070. It has been the policy of the D-backs' leadership team to avoid political stances, because the players and employees of the D-backs have their own individual beliefs, and shouldn't ever feel coerced into voting a certain way.
The protesters, as passionate as they were in their stance, were unfortunately erroneous in the belief that the D-backs played a role in the passing of SB 1070.
Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick has been a subject of some protests because of political donations he has made. However, while Kendrick has supported specific candidates in races for political office in the past, he has not contributed financial donations to any state legislator, or anyone directly involved with the passing of SB 1070.
Furthermore, Kendrick issued a statement to make it clear that it is his personal belief that while illegal immigration and its enforcement is an important issue in society today, it is the role of the federal government to handle such matters.
This was Kendrick's official statement on the matter:
"We acknowledge the statement from Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner and share the same concerns of the impact Arizona's immigration law will have on Major League players. However, we believe the federal government should act swiftly to address the immigration issue once and for all. We certainly are well aware of the struggles our state has due to federal inaction on illegal immigration. The fallout of recent state legislation has a direct impact on many of our players, employees and fans in Arizona, not to mention our local businesses, many of which are corporate partners of ours. Unfortunately, this whole situation is sad and disappointing for all of us who are associated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. We remain hopeful that this situation can be resolved in a manner that does not cause harm to our great state."
The D-backs will be the host of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2011, a weeklong series of events that will drive millions of dollars to local businesses, significantly stimulating a state economy that has suffered recently. The estimated statewide economic impact of hosting an All-Star Game is $150-200 million.
In addition to the potentially enormous economic impact of hosting an All-Star Game, the event also gives the D-backs a larger platform to help out the local foundations and charities that benefit so greatly from the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, including many Hispanic-based causes.
Since the Foundation's inception, the D-backs have contributed more than $1 million to Hispanic community programs and youth baseball fields. Kendrick personally contributed $100,000 to the Futbolito Bimbo Soccer League and Tuzos Soccer Club to underwrite the league's expenses with registration, field-use fees, uniforms and equipment. The club allows players from low-income families the opportunity to play in high-level tournaments, where players can be seen by college soccer coaches and have the opportunity to receive scholarships. Kendrick also endowed $2 million to Project Excellence, a program that allows Hispanic children excelling in school an opportunity to further their education in a summer program at Phoenix Country Day School. Kendrick is also the owner of Bumble Bee Ranch in Black Canyon City, about 40 miles north of Phoenix. The ranch has more than 74,000 acres for horseback riding, cattle driving and wilderness tours, and Kendrick has invited and hosted numerous charities supporting children throughout Arizona, with many of those charities benefitting Hispanic children.
The All-Star Week is something that D-backs season-ticket holders and baseball fans of all ages will have an opportunity to enjoy, from the game itself to the Home Run Derby, Futures Game and All-Star Fan Fest. Those events give people the chance, at pricing structures that accommodate any baseball fan, to watch the greatest players perform on the most magnificent stage.
An economic boycott doesn't make sense because it threatens to hurt those local business leaders and Arizona citizens who are not in any way affiliated with the passing of the particular law or its consequences. Many of the people involved in the protests of the D-backs, those who fervently wish to boycott Arizona and remove the 2011 All-Star Game, are from out of state. The main boycott group is comprised of people who are not closely affected in their respective states by the same issues as Arizona, and would go unaffected by a boycott that would be very hurtful to people of all backgrounds in Arizona.
Regardless of what someone thinks of the bill, whether they support it or denounce it, to protest the D-backs organization or the holding of the All-Star Game in Phoenix on the basis of that law is simply misguided.
Imprudent Boycotts Aim to Hurt Arizonans
By Greg Salvatore
The D-backs finished an 11-game road trip last night, with a series win in Houston, polishing off the longest road trip the team will take this season.
Along the way -- in Denver, Chicago and Houston -- the organization encountered one thing in common, small groups of protesters outside the stadiums. In Denver, it was a handful of people, in Chicago it was 40 or so, then a couple dozen in Houston. In each instance, protesters were voicing opposition to Senate Bill 1070, the law recently passed by the Arizona State Legislature pertaining to illegal immigration and the enforcement of immigration laws.
In Houston, a second pro-1070 protest took place across the street from the anti-1070 group. Squarely in the middle of those two protests, and squarely in the crosshairs of all of them, were the Arizona Diamondbacks, despite the fact that the team never took any formal or informal stance one way or another in regard to SB 1070. It has been the policy of the D-backs' leadership team to avoid political stances, because the players and employees of the D-backs have their own individual beliefs, and shouldn't ever feel coerced into voting a certain way.
The protesters, as passionate as they were in their stance, were unfortunately erroneous in the belief that the D-backs played a role in the passing of SB 1070.
Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick has been a subject of some protests because of political donations he has made. However, while Kendrick has supported specific candidates in races for political office in the past, he has not contributed financial donations to any state legislator, or anyone directly involved with the passing of SB 1070.
Furthermore, Kendrick issued a statement to make it clear that it is his personal belief that while illegal immigration and its enforcement is an important issue in society today, it is the role of the federal government to handle such matters.
This was Kendrick's official statement on the matter:
"We acknowledge the statement from Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Michael Weiner and share the same concerns of the impact Arizona's immigration law will have on Major League players. However, we believe the federal government should act swiftly to address the immigration issue once and for all. We certainly are well aware of the struggles our state has due to federal inaction on illegal immigration. The fallout of recent state legislation has a direct impact on many of our players, employees and fans in Arizona, not to mention our local businesses, many of which are corporate partners of ours. Unfortunately, this whole situation is sad and disappointing for all of us who are associated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. We remain hopeful that this situation can be resolved in a manner that does not cause harm to our great state."
The D-backs will be the host of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2011, a weeklong series of events that will drive millions of dollars to local businesses, significantly stimulating a state economy that has suffered recently. The estimated statewide economic impact of hosting an All-Star Game is $150-200 million.
In addition to the potentially enormous economic impact of hosting an All-Star Game, the event also gives the D-backs a larger platform to help out the local foundations and charities that benefit so greatly from the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, including many Hispanic-based causes.
Since the Foundation's inception, the D-backs have contributed more than $1 million to Hispanic community programs and youth baseball fields. Kendrick personally contributed $100,000 to the Futbolito Bimbo Soccer League and Tuzos Soccer Club to underwrite the league's expenses with registration, field-use fees, uniforms and equipment. The club allows players from low-income families the opportunity to play in high-level tournaments, where players can be seen by college soccer coaches and have the opportunity to receive scholarships. Kendrick also endowed $2 million to Project Excellence, a program that allows Hispanic children excelling in school an opportunity to further their education in a summer program at Phoenix Country Day School. Kendrick is also the owner of Bumble Bee Ranch in Black Canyon City, about 40 miles north of Phoenix. The ranch has more than 74,000 acres for horseback riding, cattle driving and wilderness tours, and Kendrick has invited and hosted numerous charities supporting children throughout Arizona, with many of those charities benefitting Hispanic children.
The All-Star Week is something that D-backs season-ticket holders and baseball fans of all ages will have an opportunity to enjoy, from the game itself to the Home Run Derby, Futures Game and All-Star Fan Fest. Those events give people the chance, at pricing structures that accommodate any baseball fan, to watch the greatest players perform on the most magnificent stage.
An economic boycott doesn't make sense because it threatens to hurt those local business leaders and Arizona citizens who are not in any way affiliated with the passing of the particular law or its consequences. Many of the people involved in the protests of the D-backs, those who fervently wish to boycott Arizona and remove the 2011 All-Star Game, are from out of state. The main boycott group is comprised of people who are not closely affected in their respective states by the same issues as Arizona, and would go unaffected by a boycott that would be very hurtful to people of all backgrounds in Arizona.
Regardless of what someone thinks of the bill, whether they support it or denounce it, to protest the D-backs organization or the holding of the All-Star Game in Phoenix on the basis of that law is simply misguided.
Monday, July 13, 2009
OSG Roundtable: Is The MLB All Star Game A Game, An Exhibition Or Past It's Prime
Wilkie:
Back in the day the MLB All Star game was the only game were stars from the National League and the American League faced each other. Part of the attraction to the game was seeing for example Steve Carlton face Reggie Jackson.
Interleague play has changed that and now the MLB All Star Game is just a exhibition that determines who gets home field advantage in the World Series. Go figure.
I have never been one to think their is one bit of meaning in the All Star Game. From the get go it's been a game for the fans and perhaps a source for league bragging rights. For some players the All Star Game is a source of extra income and that's about it.
While its still the best of the all star games in pro sports I'm usually done with it by the 4th inning. As a kid though the All Star Game was appointment television, the game was for the most part good and entertaining and as a National League fan I usually liked the outcome. Oh by the way I would watch from first pitch to final out.
As for my 6 year old son, the All Star Game isn't on his radar screen. That is sobering.
Brother Phil:
A Waste of Time…
The Major League Baseball All-Star has become one thing and one thing only. “A Tremendous Waste of Time”. Back in the day…when we old guys were kids it was cool. You got to see the best of the best playing baseball and having fun and just enjoying being around each other. There was no “Pre-tense” about it, they were showing off because they could, because they wanted to and because they liked putting on a show.
Nowadays the game much like most other “Big-Ticket” Sporting events has become a parody of its former self. For whatever reason, Heir Selig has decided to incorporate meaning to a game that was never designed for it. It was never meant to be a “Play for Home Field in the World Series” game; it was played for the enjoyment of the fans and players. Sure, the players would like bragging rights, but the fact that there is something now attached to it takes the fun out of it.
I get that they didn’t want the game to end in a “Tie” like it did a few years ago. But what about a good team “Earning” home field for the World Series like in…oh….say…EVERY OTHER SPORT!
I fully realize that it is and should be an exhibition game, like the NBA and like the NHL. I’m OK with that. Between the stupid rules that have now been put in place and the interminable length of the game, it’s pretty hard to watch. Will I watch? Yeah, for a little while; though because of TV it won’t start until after 9pm, but even for an old person like me, there is little incentive to stay up after 12am to watch a game that I really don’t enjoy so much anymore.
Nelson:
I was at the regrettable game in Milwaukee that catapulted the All-Star Game in to being and nothingness...
The three days started nicely enough with Sammy Sosa's caricature-driven home run shots in the Derby that almost beheaded Bernie Brewer.And when Torii Hunter robbed #25, we thought we might have something...
We were right... we had something- a tie...
At that moment, when Brewers fans were booing their own owner/Commissioner and threatened to burn the ballpark down to the ground before everyone got out, it was over. The game was a laughing-stock. You can boost the number of roster spots to 33.
You can make sure the fans and athletes can stuff the ballot boxes until they have irreparably-damaged paper cuts. You can say that "it matters." But that's like saying you're fine after you get smacked below the belt in front of your buddies and you can't catch your breath for hours afterward.
Yeah, you're fine...
And, no, it doesn't matter...
Just ask the National League since 1996...
Back in the day the MLB All Star game was the only game were stars from the National League and the American League faced each other. Part of the attraction to the game was seeing for example Steve Carlton face Reggie Jackson.
Interleague play has changed that and now the MLB All Star Game is just a exhibition that determines who gets home field advantage in the World Series. Go figure.
I have never been one to think their is one bit of meaning in the All Star Game. From the get go it's been a game for the fans and perhaps a source for league bragging rights. For some players the All Star Game is a source of extra income and that's about it.
While its still the best of the all star games in pro sports I'm usually done with it by the 4th inning. As a kid though the All Star Game was appointment television, the game was for the most part good and entertaining and as a National League fan I usually liked the outcome. Oh by the way I would watch from first pitch to final out.
As for my 6 year old son, the All Star Game isn't on his radar screen. That is sobering.
Brother Phil:
A Waste of Time…
The Major League Baseball All-Star has become one thing and one thing only. “A Tremendous Waste of Time”. Back in the day…when we old guys were kids it was cool. You got to see the best of the best playing baseball and having fun and just enjoying being around each other. There was no “Pre-tense” about it, they were showing off because they could, because they wanted to and because they liked putting on a show.
Nowadays the game much like most other “Big-Ticket” Sporting events has become a parody of its former self. For whatever reason, Heir Selig has decided to incorporate meaning to a game that was never designed for it. It was never meant to be a “Play for Home Field in the World Series” game; it was played for the enjoyment of the fans and players. Sure, the players would like bragging rights, but the fact that there is something now attached to it takes the fun out of it.
I get that they didn’t want the game to end in a “Tie” like it did a few years ago. But what about a good team “Earning” home field for the World Series like in…oh….say…EVERY OTHER SPORT!
I fully realize that it is and should be an exhibition game, like the NBA and like the NHL. I’m OK with that. Between the stupid rules that have now been put in place and the interminable length of the game, it’s pretty hard to watch. Will I watch? Yeah, for a little while; though because of TV it won’t start until after 9pm, but even for an old person like me, there is little incentive to stay up after 12am to watch a game that I really don’t enjoy so much anymore.
Nelson:
I was at the regrettable game in Milwaukee that catapulted the All-Star Game in to being and nothingness...
The three days started nicely enough with Sammy Sosa's caricature-driven home run shots in the Derby that almost beheaded Bernie Brewer.And when Torii Hunter robbed #25, we thought we might have something...
We were right... we had something- a tie...
At that moment, when Brewers fans were booing their own owner/Commissioner and threatened to burn the ballpark down to the ground before everyone got out, it was over. The game was a laughing-stock. You can boost the number of roster spots to 33.
You can make sure the fans and athletes can stuff the ballot boxes until they have irreparably-damaged paper cuts. You can say that "it matters." But that's like saying you're fine after you get smacked below the belt in front of your buddies and you can't catch your breath for hours afterward.
Yeah, you're fine...
And, no, it doesn't matter...
Just ask the National League since 1996...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
American League Fans Love Longoria
Tampa Bay Rays 3rd Baseman Evan Longoria is challenging Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees as the most popular player in the American League. Longoria is the leading vote - getter for the American League All Star team but not by much. Longoria has totalled 1,560,358 votes while Jeter's numbers stand at 1,511,418 votes. Don't worry, I'm sure both will have a sizeable bonus in their paychecks for making the All-Star team.Here are the returns:
First Basemen
1. Mark Teixeira - Yankees 833,960 Votes
2. Kevin Youkilis - Red Sox 832,751
3. Justin Morneau - Twins 729,175
4. Miguel Cabrera - Tigers 649,955
5. Chris Davis - Rangers 461,183
2. Kevin Youkilis - Red Sox 832,751
3. Justin Morneau - Twins 729,175
4. Miguel Cabrera - Tigers 649,955
5. Chris Davis - Rangers 461,183
Second Basemen
1. Ian Kinsler - Rangers 1,173,494 Votes
2. Dustin Pedroia - Red Sox 923,416
3. Robinson Cano - Yankees 624,394
4. Aaron Hill - Blue Jays 536,612
5. Placido Polanco - Tigers 424,889
2. Dustin Pedroia - Red Sox 923,416
3. Robinson Cano - Yankees 624,394
4. Aaron Hill - Blue Jays 536,612
5. Placido Polanco - Tigers 424,889
Third Basemen
1. Evan Longoria - Rays 1,560,358 Votes
2. Alex Rodriguez - Yankees 678,227
3. Michael Young - Rangers 655,398
4. Mike Lowell - Red Sox 438,123
5. Scott Rolen - Blue Jays 369,517
2. Alex Rodriguez - Yankees 678,227
3. Michael Young - Rangers 655,398
4. Mike Lowell - Red Sox 438,123
5. Scott Rolen - Blue Jays 369,517
Shortstops
1. Derek Jeter - Yankees 1,511,418 Votes
2. Jason Bartlett - Rays 698,095
3. Elvis Andrus - Rangers 584,462
4. Marco Scutaro - Blue Jays 471,298
5. Cesar Izturis - Orioles 261,953
2. Jason Bartlett - Rays 698,095
3. Elvis Andrus - Rangers 584,462
4. Marco Scutaro - Blue Jays 471,298
5. Cesar Izturis - Orioles 261,953
Outfielders
1. Jason Bay - Red Sox 1,101,649 Votes
2. Josh Hamilton - Rangers 989,710
3. Ichiro Suzuki -Mariners 794,104
2. Josh Hamilton - Rangers 989,710
3. Ichiro Suzuki -Mariners 794,104
Source: Major League Baseball
Photo Courtesy: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
Monday, June 8, 2009
Pujols & Utley Neck-&-Neck In NL All Star Votes
Some of the votes have been counted for the National League All-Star team and its a close call between Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies. Pujols has collected 1,751,945 votes while Utley has 1,749,457, a difference of 2,488 votes.If the votes hold up their will be a lot of red caps on the National League team as 3 players from the Phillies and 2 from the Cardinals hold the lead in their positions.
For the Phils, of course Utley is tops among the 2nd baseman, Raul Ibañez leads the outfielders and Jimmy Rollins has the most votes at the shortstop position.
Pujols is running away with the race at 1st base and his Cardinal teammate Yadier Molina holds a slight lead over Brian McCann of the Atlanta Braves. By the way the 80th MLB All Star Game will be in Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Here are the breakdowns.
1st Basemen:
1. Albert Pujols - Cardinals, 1,751,945 Votes
2. Ryan Howard - Phillies, 876,149
3. Prince Fielder - Brewers, 697,456
4. Adrian Gonzalez - Padres, 473,060
5. Joey Votto - Reds, 323,791
1. Albert Pujols - Cardinals, 1,751,945 Votes
2. Ryan Howard - Phillies, 876,149
3. Prince Fielder - Brewers, 697,456
4. Adrian Gonzalez - Padres, 473,060
5. Joey Votto - Reds, 323,791
Catchers:
1. Yadier Molina - Cardinals, 874,329 Votes
2. Brian McCann - Braves, 660,523
3. Ivan Rodriguez - Astros, 625,389
4. Jason Kendall - Brewers, 619,954
5. Carlos Ruiz - Phillies, 599,167
3. Ivan Rodriguez - Astros, 625,389
4. Jason Kendall - Brewers, 619,954
5. Carlos Ruiz - Phillies, 599,167
2nd Basemen:
1. Chase Utley - Phillies, 1,749,457 Votes
2. Orlando Hudson - Dodgers, 735,973
3. Rickie Weeks - Brewers, 560,670
4. Skip Schumaker - Cardinals, 425,636
2. Orlando Hudson - Dodgers, 735,973
3. Rickie Weeks - Brewers, 560,670
4. Skip Schumaker - Cardinals, 425,636
5. Brandon Phillips - Reds, 302,035
Shortstops:
1. Jimmy Rollins - Phillies, 936,377 Votes
2. Hanley Ramirez - Marlins, 871,917
3. J.J. Hardy - Brewers, 662,474
4. Jose Reyes - Mets, 526,591
5. Miguel Tejada - Astros, 462,941
1. Jimmy Rollins - Phillies, 936,377 Votes
2. Hanley Ramirez - Marlins, 871,917
3. J.J. Hardy - Brewers, 662,474
4. Jose Reyes - Mets, 526,591
5. Miguel Tejada - Astros, 462,941
3rd Basemen:
1. David Wright - Mets, 994,855 Votes
2. Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals, 747,380
3. Chipper Jones - Braves, 640,598
4. Pedro Feliz - Phillies, 598,563
2. Ryan Zimmerman - Nationals, 747,380
3. Chipper Jones - Braves, 640,598
4. Pedro Feliz - Phillies, 598,563
5. Bill Hall - Brewers, 551,202
Outfielders:
1. Raul Ibañez - Phillies, 1,415,493 Votes
2. Ryan Braun - Brewers, 1,269,033
3. Carlos Beltran - Mets, 1,092,516
4. Alfonso Soriano - Cubs, 1,078,904
3. Carlos Beltran - Mets, 1,092,516
4. Alfonso Soriano - Cubs, 1,078,904
Source: Major League Baseball
Photos Courtesy: Getty Images
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