It’s Memorial Day and many of us are celebrating the three-day weekend with barbecues, parties, etc. I used to be really into it always getting together with buddies. Whether out here or Point Pleasant, it was always fun. A great time.
Maybe in the midst of all the chaos, we forgot what this holiday is supposed to be about. This country was founded on principles. Many that have long been forgotten. All I know is without the hard work and true dedication of the courageous men and women who sacrificed so much for our way of life, we wouldn’t even be here. A big thank you to all the soldiers, policemen and firefighters who lay their lives on the line everyday.
-The Celts got it done last night, advancing to their second NBA Finals in three years. They can thank Nate Robinson. Buried in Doc Rivers’ doghouse, Nasty Nate dusted off the cobwebs and scored 13 big second quarter points to spark Boston past Orlando 96-84 in Game Six- finally putting away a series they led 3-zip. Say what you want about the two-time slam dunk champ but he’s instant offense creating mismatches. Good on the Celtic coach to finally play him, seeing big results in a must win scenario. No way did they want to chance it after seeing what happened to the Bruins. Now, Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Co. will wait to see who their opponent is. Will it be another Boston-LA clash or can the Suns recover from that Ron Artest crusher to force a deciding game? We’re hoping so.
-Tough night for the Mets, who finally saw their scoreless streak end at 35 courtesy of a Corey Hart two-run walkoff blast, making the Brewers winners. With a runner on and two out in the home ninth, he went yard off Ryota Igarashi, who relieved Pedro Feliciano after he got Prince Fielder for the first out. The Japanese import gave up an infield hit to Ryan Braun, who just got his foot on the bag to beat Jose Reyes’ one-hopper. The Met reliever got big RBI man Casey McGee to pop out for out No.2. But he couldn’t put away Hart, who clocked a hanging splitter over the left field wall as Jason Bay could only watch- snapping the Amazin’s four-game win streak.
Despite another great outing from ace Johan Santana, who went eight scoreless (8 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K’s) tossing 105 pitches, the Mets couldn’t get to Milwaukee aceYovani Gallardo, who went the distance for the rare shutout, throwing 121 pitches. The 24 year-old from Michoacan is one of the most unheralded starters in the game, pitching in obscurity for a poor ballclub. Last night, he went pitch for pitch with Santana, who tried to help his own cause with a double in the eighth. But just as he had all game, Gallardo snuck a heater which moved from the inside part of the plate to the middle at Reyes’ knees, freezing him. That kinda pitching was on display at Miller Park where the two hurlers were brilliant. Gallardo scattered eight hits while walking one and fanning seven. Early on, he escaped a bases loaded no out jam by getting Reyes to ground out 3-2 and inducing Alex Cora into an inning ending 4-6-3 twin killing. In the Met ninth with the guys from Queens threatening, he stranded two by getting Angel Pagan looking.
-Of course, the hot topic on the radio airwaves is why Manuel didn’t let Santana start the ninth. He probably could’ve. Instead, the much maligned Met skipper left it to a strong pen, opting to match-up. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned leading to the Mets’ first loss in five. Worse, they fell to 6-15 on the road- falling to a putrid team to start a six-game road trip which concludes at Petco Park against NL West-leading San Diego. Whether you want to second guess Manuel or not, his team needs to get some wins away from Citi Field. Especially if they want to be taken seriously. Good teams win on the road. We’ll find out how they respond later tonight when Fernando Nieve opposes Manny Parra.
-Meanwhile in the Boogie Down, the Yankees got a big night from Robby Cano, whose third career grand slam catapulted the Bronx Bombers past the Indians 8-2. Hitting in the cleanup spot with A-Rod sitting out, the All-Star second baseman went yard against Cleveland reliever Tony Sipp in the seventh to break open a tight game. It was his club-leading 10th home run and first since May 2. All part of a big Friday that saw him go 3-for-4 with the grand salami and three runs scored. With Mark Teixeira still struggling and Alex Rodriguez given a rare night off, Cano carried the load. Exactly what you want to see from the 27 year-old.
The Yanks got a nice bounce back outing from Phil Hughes, who went seven permitting two earned on five hits, walking a batter and K-ing eight for his sixth win. No doubt the soon to be 24 year-old former first round pick is starting to fulfill expectations. Possessing a fastball that can hit mid-90′s along with a sharp curve, Hughes is nasty. It’s got to be exciting for Brian Cashman who wouldn’t part with the tall righty for Santana.
-At least that helps the Yankee GM, who designated free agent bust Randy Winn for assignment while keeping up Kevin Russo. Russo is from West Babylon and has been a solid bat thus far going 5-for-20 with a pair of doubles and four knocked in since being recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Maybe the former Baylor standout can provide some versatility off the bench.
-Combined with the Rays falling a third straight time this time to the lowly White Sox, the Yanks cut the lead to 3.5 games. C.C. Sabathia will try to make it two in a row and four of five when he takes on David Huff at 1 PM. We’ll see how the former Indian Cy Young winner fares along with his teammates.
-Can the Mets keep it up? Their 5-1 homestand taking two of three from the Yanks and sweeping the Phils without allowing a run was a statement. Incredibly inspiring baseball from Jerry Manuel’s club led finally by the resurgent Jose Reyes, who is back to being himself in the leadoff spot. He tormented the Mets’ biggest rival by going 8-for-13 with three extra base hits including his first home run, five RBI’s, two stolen bases and five runs scored. That’s the Reyes that’s the team’s MVP. Jason Bay continued to produce following the two-homer game off C.C. Sabathia with three more RBI’s. Angel Pagan is the club’s most improved player, getting five hits and swiping three bases in the series.
As for the staff, what a job by every Met pitcher blanking arguably the best offense for all 27 innings. Miraculous stuff from Hisanori Takahashi, vet knuckler R.A. Dickey and potential All-Star Mike Pelfrey, who bested Cole Hamels yesterday by going seven strong for win No.7. The pen continues to get the job done. At 25-23 following a dreadful road trip, the Amazin’s are in third a half game behind Atlanta and two out. The NL East should be tight all year. Especially with the improved Nats hanging around along with the Marlins. If Carlos Beltran returns healthy, they could give the Mets a leg up on the wild card competition. The Phils couldn’t play any worse but are still the team to beat.
-Meanwhile, across town the Yanks get Curtis Granderson back in center batting second against the Indians in the Bronx tonight. An early two-run Nick Swisher homer has given Phil Hughes a lead. He’s already struckout five in looking to rebound from back-to-back disappointing efforts. The guys in Pinstripes haven’t played well lately. Even if they took two of three from favorite whipping boy Minnesota, Javier Vazquez again got lit up in a blowout loss yesterday. Joe Girardi’s guys really haven’t been the same since a hot start, leaving too many runners on and not getting consistent relief. Even Sabathia has struggled. With Boston finally red hot having swept a two-game set in Tampa, the defending champs need to get revved up. A Memorial Weekend series against lowly Cleveland could be just what the doctor ordered.
-Randy Winn has been so bad that he might want to consider changing his name to Randy Loss. At least it would better explain how Brian Cashman signed him. Not much better on Nick “DL” Johnson. Kevin Russo stays.
-Best move of the offseason is Rod Barajas, whose 10 homers pace the Amazin’s with his 27 RBI’s second to David Wright. Vet backup Henry Blanco has also been instrumental helping improve the pitching staff. Though we’re not sure anyone can aid Olli Perez and John Maine.
-Like most, I thought Big Papi was done. Good news if you own his rookie cards.
-Considering the continued trips to the DL for Jorge Posada, what if the Bronx Bombers didn’t have Francisco Cervelli as insurance? From the time I covered him out here on the ’06 Penn-League champion Staten Island Baby Bombers, Cervelli’s been a winner. The guy always worked hard and did it with a smile. Nice to see him getting rewarded.
-All things considered, the Yanks actually miss Phil Coke. Wasn’t Ian Kennedy in that trade too? He’s not faring too badly out in The Desert.
-I voted for him because I thought he’d make a good President. Not because I wanted to know what Mr. Obama thought about LeBron going to Chicago. How about focusing on your job which just got a lot harder due to this BP oil spill in Louisiana.
-Didn’t catch it but kudos to Ron Artest on saving Kobe Bryant’s Lakers on what sounded like a very unpredictable conclusion breaking Sun hearts. The kid I saw when he starred for LaSalle Academy could always ball. It’s just a matter of staying focused on the court.
-Love to see the Suns force a seventh in Hollywood and somehow get it done just for my close buddy P. He deserves it.
-I don’t feel sorry for Coach Calhoun or UConn. Unfortunately, they probably won’t get severely punished or miss any postseason play. Nice job NCAA!
-When I wrote that column begging for change at St. John’s, they must’ve heard me. But you know, the way those guys played down the stretch for Norm Roberts, you could tell how much they enjoyed playing for him. Such a heartbreaking ending for a nice guy who at least brought back respect to the program. Now, we’ll see if Steve Lavin can take that next giant step forward with a senior core featuring D.J. Kennedy, Malik Boothe, Sean Evans, Paris Horne, Justin Burrell and Dwight Hardy.
-Should be interesting to see what the Celtics come up with in what amounts to a must win versus the Magic. If they lose, just imagine how Boston will feel after witnessing the wrong kind of history made by their Bruins in that same building. They should’ve put it away already.
-And finally, a salute to The Richburg family who buried their son Thursday. Lyndzay was a wonderful human being who touched everyone he was around making us smile and laugh. We’ll forever miss him but his spirit shines down brightly in our hearts.
Posted by Derek Felix under Video of Day Comments Off
Today, they’re saying goodbye to our friend Lyndzay Richburg back home in Atlanta. We said ours Monday at an emotional wake that featured plenty of tributes to a great person whose life was taken too soon. God bless ya Elroy Dyaygo Escobar Futuristic!
On a day they lay him to rest, a fitting song by a band he liked Oasis which definitely applies to how we feel about you Lyndz. You’re our shining star who’ll continue to shine brightly up above, reminding us daily of your presence. Smiling, laughing, working on those magic beats that made you our star and showing the love which will never be forgotten. Rock on with your Bob Marley hair in that other dimension I referenced the other day right alongside him, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrisson, 2Pac, Biggie, Elvis, Janis Joplin and John Lennon. LEGENDS NEVER DIE!
Oasis: “Live Forever”
Maybe I don’t really want to know
How your garden grows
I just want to fly Lately did you ever feel the pain
In the morning rain
As it soaks it to the bone
Maybe I just want to fly
I want to live I don’t want to die
Maybe I just want to breath
Maybe I just don’t believe
Maybe you’re the same as me
We see things they’ll never see
You and I are gonna live forever
Maybe I don’t really want to know
How your garden grows
I just want to fly Lately did you ever feel the pain
In the morning rain
As it soaks it to the bone
Maybe I will never be
All the things that I want to be
But now is not the time to cry
Now’s the time to find out why
I think you’re the same as me
We see things they’ll never see
You and I are gonna live forever
We’re gonna live forever
Gonna live forever
Live forever
Forever
-On a steamy late May afternoon in NYC, we at least got one good hoop series going on thanks to the Suns’ second straight ‘W’ over Kobe’s Lakers last night in The Desert. Thanks to a strong fourth quarter in which they outscored LA 30-22, they took Game Four 115-106 to level the best-of-seven Western Conference Final.
This time, Alvin Gentry’s squad got nice balance with six different players netting double digits with plenty coming from a productive bench that outscored the Lakers’ bench 54-20. Channing Frye finally found the range (four 3′s) and Leandro Barbosa added 14 with Jared Dudley and Goran Dragic (8 Pts, 8 A) delivering money performances. Louis Amundson also was effective going for seven points and seven boards as the Suns hammered LA on the glass 51-36.
In a game where Nash, Amare and J-Rich didn’t dominate while Kobe did what he could registering a game high 38 along with 10 assists and seven rebounds, it didn’t matter because Phoenix’ bench was the difference. Only Lamar Odom contributed for LA with a double double (15/10) and three dimes. Bryant didn’t get enough from Pau Gasol or Ron Artest. So, the series goes back to Hollywood all even with the pressure squarely on the defending champs. How will they respond to Bryant’s criticism regarding the lack of defense? See ya Thursday night at Staples.
-Meanwhile, in an hour-plus, D-Howard and the Magic go for two in a row when they host the Celts. Can they get a repeat performance from Jameer Nelson? Will the ghost of Vince Carter reappear? Boston can’t play much worse than the other night. Figure KG, Pierce and Rondo to be determined to get it done.
-The Mets look to carry momentum forward from an 8-0 drubbing of the suddenly slumping Phils, who’ve dropped three straight. The Amazin’s have reeled off three in a row and at .500 (23-23), are just four off the pace. This team is resilient and seems to enjoy playing for Jerry Manuel. If Jason Bay and Jose Reyes remain hot, they should be fine. Do the Phils have a response at Citi Field?
-As for the Yanks, they completed the postponed game with a 1-0 shutout over the Twins. Runs have come at a premium lately. They’ve been leaving too many runners on and paying dearly. Even a lineup as potent as the Bronx Bombers can’t survive a power outage. We’ll see if the domination of their favorite opponent continues.
Giant Meets Jet: Justin Tuck shakes Darrelle Revis' hand in Times Square after the first ever Super Bowl was delivered to New York/New Jersey in 2014.
-The chance of a Giants/Jets Super Bowl just got a lot more exciting. With today’s fourth vote giving the nod to New York/New Jersey for 2014 at the new Meadowlands Stadium which opens this summer, it energizes two passionate fanbases who can now dream the unthinkable. Imagine the first ever Super Bowl in classic cold weather as it should be played featuring both the locals who play their games there fighting for bragging rights. This is huge.
For years, not a word was uttered because it was about as possible as our chances with Jessica Alba. Now with a brand new spanking stadium, it’s reality. Imagine if the Giants and Jets really make this once in a lifetime marquee event. Picture all the press/superhype. It would be electric. Big Blue and Gang Green fans going at it over the airwaves and in the stands (hopefully not literally).
I never really cared one way or another if this actually happened but now that it’s official, how can one not be genuinely pumped? Even if neither team makes it which would royally suck, the Lombardi Trophy will be back where it belongs with its proud father looking on from upstairs smiling. Football was meant to be played in tough conditions. Not sunshine. The games I enjoy the most are the ones where heavy wind, rain or snow are involved because it truly tests our warriors. Football players are like gladiators battling for every inch, laying it all on the line. Now, we get the kind of rock ‘em sock ‘em pigskin Lombardi would appreciate. It’s about time!
-Do you think Brandon Jacobs cares to retract that statement if the two teams actually make the big game?
-A final thought on the whole New York SB Extravaganza. Let’s be real. The stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. So, it’s really the Garden State’s game. As a fellow New Yorker, even though the two clubs honor New York due to tradition which always leaves a bitter taste in Jersey friends’ mouths, they do play in New Jersey. Maybe it’s time to actually recognize that along with how nice the state is. Some of my best friends represent it quite well.
-Look. Superman finally arrived and ripped the Celtics for 32 points, 16 boards and four swats in the Magic’s well earned 96-92 overtime Game Four win at TD Garden avoiding the sweep. That’s great and all for the freak known as Dwight Howard, who could be confused for a superhero. He’s bigger and stronger than everybody. So, he should dominate. Especially in a league where the center is almost extinct. Somehow, when the big man who shares a birthday with me finally delivers, it’s overcelebrated. What ever happened to consistency? Somehow in this new Hyped EraError, expectations dropped. Why???
-If ever there was a player whose name needed to be changed to Dog, we present the sad case of former NBA star Vince Carter. If he had any sorta drive, he could’ve been one of the greats. Instead, there’s a tireless worker like Reggie Miller calling him out on ESPN and justifiably so.
-Do you think Hedo Turkoglu would’ve bricked those two free throws in Game Two?!?!?!?!?!
-Who knew that KG still had this kind of fire in him? He looked done a couple of months ago. Maybe he was just playing possum the whole time.
-Is there a better pure shooter than Ray Allen? Even now, the former Uconn star is money in crunch time. You can’t give him any space.
-I’ll always say it until proven otherwise. With the game on the line, nobody is better than Kobe. LeBron, take notes. And that goes for the club that gets him.
-Really pleased to see the Suns rise up and send a message to LA that it won’t come easy. Can’t say enough about the kind of dominant performance Amare Stoudemire had. Those 42 and 11 were monstrous. Some great power moves and strong finishes too, resulting in three-point plays. Everyone of them emphatic. When his team needed a score, Amare delivered. Hopefully, he and the rest of the Suns can duplicate it as they look to even the series tonight.
-Figure Kobe to get more help from sidekicks Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest and Derek Fisher. They weren’t good in crunch time.
-In the NHL playoffs which have been totally unpredictable, we get the Blackhawks and Flyers for Lord Stanley. Two Cup starved traditional markets that haven’t won in a while. For Chicago, it’s been almost five decades since Bobby Hull and the Blackhawks won it all in ’61. Now, leading Conn Smythe candidate Jonathan Toews along with sidekick Patrick Kane plus money performer Dustin Byfuglien (Big Buff) take aim at bringing the best sports trophy back to the Windy City. When the puck drops for Game One at the United Center Saturday, that place will be on fire.
For the Flyers, it’s been a miraculous run starting with a shootout win over the Rangers on the last day of the season just to sneak into the playoffs. Since, all they’ve done is takeout the hated Devils, stun the Bruins in historic fashion from 3-0 down joining the Leafs, Islanders and most recently, the Red Sox. Then they took care of another destined team in Montreal, getting two Jeff Carter tallies to advance to their first Cup Final since 1997 when they were unceremoniously dumped out in four straight by the Red Wings. Can Mike Richards, playoff hero Simon Gagne, Chris Pronger and amazing story Michael Leighton bring the Cup back to Broad Street for the first time since they repeated in 1975?
Two great storylines for a league that’s heating up. NBC can’t possibly screw this up. Or can they?
-No matter what you think of it, the Subway Series matters. No. I’m not one of those who puts much stock in the six games the Mets and Yankees play. However, it’s impossible to ignore the turnout for it at Citi Field. With attendance way down in Year Two, they soldout the place. Plenty of walk ups who wanted to be part of the first three-game set between our two New York clubs.
Baseball is still No.1 here and probably always will be. With all the history dating back to the glory days of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants along with the Yankees (formerly New York Highlanders), NYC is rich in tradition and could support a third team if that ever happened. Just experiencing the turnout the local Staten Island Yankees get anytime the Cyclones pay a visit to the Ferry Terminal for Class A ball is enough to fully grasp what baseball means in this town.
So, even if the cool half dozen might not mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things for the Yanks and Mets, it means plenty to the fans. No wonder I got so much flak from J Beck, Johnny Rockets and all the other Met supporters the other night.
Today is the wake for my good friend Lyndzay. I haven’t slept at all. I keep asking myself why and wind up dumbfounded. The Jamaican King is watching over us right now probably kicking it with the same spirit he owned our place with.
What’s it all for? I’m not sure. We’re brought into this world to eventually die. A crazy yet daunting thought on life. It’s just a matter of when and how. Futuristic was only 20. A young pup full of life, injecting it around those he loved. The world was a better place because of you and I’m having a very difficult time with this. How could you be gone from our lives? Regardless, I’ll never ever forget you and continue to keep your spirit alive as will everyone that ever knew you.
I know you would want us to have fun and put our minds and bodies to good use as you did, harnessing your special musical talents. You truly had the gift and that will be on display later today and in the future.
I may speak at the ceremony tonight. I know exactly what I’ll say. Always happy, smiling, making others laugh and sharing your wonderful prowess. There was never a dull moment or bad time had. Like your unbelievably strong family, you are a gift from up above. One of God’s angels I’m convinced. On what amounts to a challenging day nobody wants to be part of, I’ll try to hold my head high because that’s what you would’ve wanted.
See ya on the other side Dyaygo Escobar. Bow Bow! :-(
It’s hard to lose someone you really care about. Especially a close friend who touched so many lives, making us better for knowing him. I didn’t know Lyndzay Richburg that long but you never would’ve known it by the way he treated me along with everybody else.
You came from Atlanta, Georgia- your hometown and brought your flavor, enthusiasm, unselfishness and sheer genius to our place in VG, Shaolin NYC. Always smiling, cracking jokes and using innovative expressions we all enjoyed/laughed at.
“Bow Bow!!!!!”
Between how positive you were and the unbelievable gift you had in the music industry, it was always a party. Never any bad times. Only the good which have touched all our hearts.
In the beginning, I hardly knew you but already could tell what kind of great person you were. Complimenting me for the kind of person/brother I was to Justin. At a challenging time in my life, that kinda spirit/positive reinforcement meant the world. Maybe it was a few weeks but for you to share that just took my breath away. The feeling is mutual. That’s the kind of good natured, human being you are. Are because I refuse to believe you’re really gone!
How to describe Elroy Futuristic? H-E-A-R-T. Nobody had a bigger one. That’s why I’m crushed that you’re not here. Though in spirit I know you’re up there smiling and laughing, looking down on us. We will NEVER let you down.
I was instantly amazed by your musical prowess. Formulating ideas for remarkable beats that blew us away. You were ahead of your time. When I remarked to your wonderful Mom during our tribute last night, “He was the Ritchie Valens of VG,” I wasn’t kidding. I love music as much as anyone. It helps us get through heartbreaking moments such as this. You were special. I wasn’t surprised to hear that you took part in a choir and took to music from an early age. You could see it. All the flow you had. And the swagger which was mentioned plenty by your big brother PJ along with Ramon. Sometimes, we come across something that catches us. I feel fortunate to have known you because you had the magic.
It’s not just about the talent but how big a man you were. Always taking on responsibility, working tough hours at Home Depot and then doing what you loved. Living the dream. Those last few beats we listened to over and over again including, “Oh My God,” signify what you were all about. I wondered last night what was going through your mind at the very moment you put it together. And all I could think of was a rap/reggae Jimi Hendrix who was high above in the haze another dimension. Though you easily could’ve been a young Bob Marley. The style. The clothes. The hair. Original. I know you would’ve made it. And to me, you already were a success. Just in the way you conducted yourself.
Such class, which was exhibited by your loving family. I can’t imagine what they’re going through. It reminds me how lucky we really are. I still find myself asking, ‘Why???’ 24 hours later. I think Kayla’s right. They always take the good ones early. I feel lucky to have known you and will honor ya the best way I can. I want so much for your voice to be heard in the game. You DESERVE it!
Love forever,
Derek, Justin and Dad
We at least have one video to remember you by working with P showing off your flair.
You’ll always be remembered. So chill. For my homie, Future Boy!
Today is the wake for my good friend Lyndzay. I haven’t slept at all. I keep asking myself why and wind up dumbfounded. The Jamaican King is watching over us right now probably kicking it with the same spirit he owned our place with.
R.I.P. (6/22/89-5/21/10)
