Thursday, October 08, 2009

start times for remainder of Sox-Angels series

by: Frank Carpano

Here is the broadcast schedule for the remaining Division Series games.  Please note that the schedule is tentative and subject to change based on postponed and/or suspended games.

Game         Date                         Site                           Time (EDT/PDT)

  1             Thursday, October 8         Angel Stadium of Anaheim     9:37/6:37 p.m.

  2             Friday, October 9             Angel Stadium of Anaheim     9:37/6:37 p.m.

  3             Sunday, October 11         Fenway Park                   12:07p.m./9:07 a.m.

  4*            Monday, October 12         Fenway Park                   8:37 p.m./5:37 p.m.**

  5*            Wednesday, October 14       Angel Stadium of Anaheim     9:37p.m./6:37 p.m.++

*If necessary

**Will change to 7:37 p.m. ET if only game

++Will change to 8:07 p.m. ET if only game

start times for red sox-angels games 3+4

by: Frank Carpano

The start times for the ALDS games scheduled for Fenway park are set. The Sox and Angels will play at 12:07 Sunday and if necessary, game 4 will begin at 8:37 monday

Baldelli not on Sox playoff roster

by: Frank Carpano

The Red Sox have just released their final roster for the playoff series with the Angels. It does not include Rhode Island’s Rocco Baldelli. His hip flexor injury has apparently not healed enough. More tonight at 6 on NBC 10

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Red Sox-Angels Playoff Series

by: Frank Carpano

The Red Sox and Angels will begin their playoff series this Thursday night. More tonight @ 6 on NBC 10

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Big East Men’s basketball schedule announced

Courtesy: The Big East Conference

BIG EAST MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

INCLUDES EVERY LEAGUE GAME ON TELEVISION FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The BIG EAST Conference’s 2009-10 men’s basketball schedule again includes a record number of national television appearances.  Additionally, for the third straight season, all 144 regular-season league games will be televised.
        The league also announced its schedule of non-conference games which will be televised on national networks.  At least 27 games will receive national exposure.
        Forty-four conference contests will be carried on ESPN or ESPN2.  ESPNU, which has increased its reach to over 47 million homes, will carry approximately 20 league games.  CBS Sports will televise 11 more games involving BIG EAST teams.  ESPN will continue to televise The BIG EAST Championship from Madison Square Garden in New York.  The dates for the 2010 event are March 9-13.
        In total, 69 of the 144 regular-season BIG EAST games (or 48 percent) will likely be on national television.  The remaining games will be carried on ESPN360 or ESPN Regional/BIG EAST Network.  When The BIG EAST Championship games are added, more than half of all games played between BIG EAST teams will be televised nationally.
        “Over the past three decades, the terms BIG EAST Conference basketball and national television exposure have become synonymous in many ways, and this year is certainly no exception,” stated BIG EAST Conference Commissioner John Marinatto. “Our 16 member schools represent nearly one-third of the nation’s television households—a fact that drives our ability to reach the many alumni, fans and constituents within our membership. We are very proud of our longstanding and comprehensive partnerships with both CBS Sports and ESPN, which continue to provide our schools with unparalleled exposure as all 144 of our Conference games will be televised for the third consecutive season.”

The BIG EAST has always enjoyed a leadership position in college sports television.  Twelve of the 16 conference schools are located in the top 35 media markets in the country.
        ESPN and the BIG EAST again will partner in the network’s Big Monday format.  The league also will make regular appearances on ESPN and ESPN2 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 
        In addition, the BIG EAST and ESPN Regional Television will carry the BIG EAST Network Game of the Week on Saturdays, mostly at noon, Eastern time.  The syndicated package, the largest in college basketball, reaches more than one-third of the nation’s homes.

        Some of the highlights of the 2009-10 schedule include:

        Big Monday – All seven BIG EAST teams that earned berths in the 2009 NCAA Championship will make appearances.  The first Monday game is Pittsburgh at Cincinnati on Jan. 4.  Villanova travels to Louisville on Jan. 11.  No other conference appears on Mondays on ESPN more than the BIG EAST.  The Big Monday package also includes Connecticut at Villanova, a battle of the two league squads that advanced to the NCAA Final Four last year, on Feb. 15.  The Big Monday series concludes with Georgetown at West Virginia on March 1.  All games on the Big Monday schedule will be available on ESPN.360. 

 

        Wednesdays—ESPN or ESPN2 will show nine Wednesday games involving BIG EAST teams during the 10-week conference season.  The Wednesday schedule includes Connecticut at Syracuse on Feb. 10 as part of ESPN Rivalry Week.  Those two clubs played an unforgettable six-overtime game in the quarterfinals of The BIG EAST Championship. 

 

Thursdays—ESPN or ESPN2 will televise 11 Thursday games that will include 13 BIG EAST squads.  The weekly Thursday night package starts when ESPN2 carries St. John’s at Georgetown on Dec. 31.  The final Thursday of the season, March 4, includes two telecasts on ESPN or ESPN2 – Seton Hall at Rutgers and Providence at Pittsburgh. 

 

        Saturdays – ESPN or ESPN2 will telecast 10 BIG EAST games during the conference season, including the final game at storied Freedom Hall March 6, when Syracuse visits Louisville.  Also, the BIG EAST Network Game of the Week package continues, mostly at noon, ET.  The Game of the Week package reaches over one-third of the nation and is the largest syndicated college basketball package in the nation.  The Saturday schedule will be announced at a later date.  There is one Sunday telecast on ESPN, Louisville at Syracuse on Feb. 14. 

 

        CBS Sports—The 11-game schedule on CBS Sports, which includes five league contests, will feature eight BIG EAST teams.  The CBS Sports slate begins with one of college basketball’s great intersectional rivalries, UCLA at Notre Dame, on Dec. 19.  The first league game of the season will be on CBS Sports when West Virginia visits Seton Hall on Dec. 26.  On Feb. 21, Pittsburgh will host Villanova, a contest that figures to spark memories of their game in the 2009 NCAA Elite Eight in Boston.  The Wildcats won at the buzzer 78-76.  The BIG EAST/CBS Sports schedule concludes with West Virginia at Villanova on March 6.  The BIG EAST and CBS Sports have been formal television partners since 1985, the longest relationship of any conference and national network.

 

        ESPN GameDay – ESPN will take its signature GameDay series to a BIG EAST campus again.  Syracuse will host Villanova and the GameDay crew at the Carrier Dome on Feb. 27.

 

        ESPN Rivalry Week – No conference will appear more times on Rivalry Week than the BIG EAST.  The week begins on Feb. 8 with Villanova at West Virginia in a Big Monday battle.  Rivalry Week concludes the following Monday, Feb. 15, with Connecticut at Villanova.  In all, seven BIG EAST games will be televised.

 

        Holiday Week – The BIG EAST league schedule on ESPN and ESPN2 begins in late December with Connecticut traveling to Cincinnati on Dec. 30.  On New Year’s Eve, St. John’s plays at Georgetown.  Both games will be carried by ESPN2.

 

        Jimmy V Classic – For a second straight year, the BIG EAST will participate in both games of the doubleheader at the Jimmy V Classic, Dec. 8 at Madison Square Garden.  ESPN will show Georgetown versus Butler followed by Pittsburgh meeting Indiana.

 

        SEC/BIG EAST Invitational – The third annual meeting between the two conferences will be carried by ESPN and ESPN2.  On Dec. 9 at Madison Square Garden, St. John’s battles Georgia on ESPN2 followed by Connecticut and Kentucky on ESPN.  On Dec. 10 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., DePaul and Mississippi State square off on ESPN2 before Florida plays Syracuse on ESPN.

 

        Between the Jimmy V Classic and the SEC/BIG EAST Invitational, as well as a pair of scheduled nonleague games involving Villanova and Cincinnati, eight BIG EAST teams will appear on either ESPN or ESPN2 between Dec. 8-10.

 

        NBA All-Star Weekend Game – The BIG EAST again will be featured on ESPN on the Friday night of the NBA All-Star Weekend when West Virginia plays at Pittsburgh on Feb. 12.

 

        Saturday, January 30 – Although there are several days on the schedule with many attractive matchups, one of the better days may be Jan. 30.  At noon, Louisville plays at West Virginia on ESPN.  At 2 p.m. Georgetown will host Duke on CBS Sports.  At 6 p.m., Notre Dame goes to Rutgers on ESPN2. Also, Marquette plays at Connecticut and Syracuse travels to DePaul. 

 

The BIG EAST Game of the Week selections will be made at a later date. 

 

        The ESPN360 and BIG EAST Network local telecast schedules will be announced in the near future.

 

-BIG EAST-

 

2009-10 BIG EAST CONFERENCE COMPOSITE MEN’S BASKETBALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

 

Saturday, Dec. 26

        West Virginia at Seton Hall               3:30 p.m.        CBS Sports

 

Monday, Dec. 28

        DePaul at Pittsburgh

 

Tuesday, Dec. 29

        Syracuse at Seton Hall

        Marquette at West Virginia

 

Wednesday, Dec. 30

        Connecticut at Cincinnati                   7 p.m.        ESPN2

        USF at Louisville

        Providence at Notre Dame

 

Thursday, Dec. 31

        St. John’s at Georgetown                   8 p.m.        ESPN2

 

Saturday, Jan. 2

        Notre Dame at Connecticut

        Pittsburgh at Syracuse

        Villanova at Marquette                   3:30 p.m.        ESPN2

        Cincinnati at Rutgers

 

Sunday, Jan. 3

        Providence at St. John’s

        Georgetown at DePaul

 

Monday, Jan. 4

        Pittsburgh at Cincinnati                     7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Tuesday, Jan. 5

        Notre Dame at USF

 

Wednesday, Jan. 6

        Louisville at Providence

        Seton Hall at Connecticut

        Georgetown at Marquette

        DePaul at Villanova

        Rutgers at West Virginia

 

Saturday, Jan. 9

        Connecticut at Georgetown                 Noon         ESPN

        Marquette at Villanova

        St. John’s at Louisville

        Cincinnati at Seton Hall

        West Virginia at Notre Dame

        Rutgers at Providence

 

Sunday, Jan. 10

        USF at Syracuse

 

Monday, Jan. 11

        Villanova at Louisville                       7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Wednesday, Jan. 13

        Pittsburgh at Connecticut                   7 p.m.        ESPN2

        Cincinnati at St. John’s

        West Virginia at USF

        Syracuse at Rutgers

 

Thursday, Jan. 14

        Seton Hall at Georgetown                   7 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

        Providence at DePaul                       9 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

 

Saturday, Jan. 16

        Louisville at Pittsburgh

        Syracuse at West Virginia                     Noon         ESPN

        Notre Dame at Cincinnati

        Rutgers at USF

 

Sunday, Jan. 17

        Georgetown at Villanova

        DePaul at St. John’s

        Providence at Marquette

 

Monday, Jan. 18

        Syracuse at Notre Dame                     7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Wednesday, Jan. 20

        USF at Cincinnati                           7 p.m.        ESPN2

        Georgetown at Pittsburgh

        St. John’s at Connecticut

        Marquette at DePaul

        Villanova at Rutgers

 

Thursday, Jan. 21

        Louisville at Seton Hall                       7 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

 

Saturday, Jan. 23

        Rutgers at Georgetown

        Villanova at St. John’s                       Noon         ESPN

        Marquette at Syracuse

        DePaul at Notre Dame

        USF at Providence

 

Sunday, Jan. 24

        Cincinnati at Louisville

        Pittsburgh at Seton Hall

 

Monday, Jan. 25

        Georgetown at Syracuse                   7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Tuesday, Jan. 26

        Rutgers at Marquette

        West Virginia at DePaul

 

Wednesday, Jan. 27

        Connecticut at Providence

        Notre Dame at Villanova                     7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Thursday, Jan. 28

        St. John’s at Pittsburgh

        Seton Hall at USF                           7 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

 

Saturday, Jan. 30

        Syracuse at DePaul

        Louisville at West Virginia                     Noon         ESPN

        Marquette at Connecticut

        Notre Dame at Rutgers                     6 p.m.        ESPN2

        Providence at Cincinnati

 

Sunday, Jan. 31

        Pittsburgh at USF

 

Monday, Feb. 1

        Connecticut at Louisville                     7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Tuesday, Feb. 2

        Seton Hall at Villanova

        St. John’s at Rutgers

        Providence at Syracuse

 

Wednesday, Feb. 3

        DePaul at Marquette                       7 p.m.        ESPN2

        USF at Georgetown

        Pittsburgh at West Virginia

 

Thursday, Feb. 4

        Cincinnati at Notre Dame                   9 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

 

Saturday, Feb. 6

        Villanova at Georgetown                     Noon         ESPN

        Marquette at Providence

        West Virginia at St. John’s

        Rutgers at Louisville

        Seton Hall at Pittsburgh

        DePaul at Connecticut

 

Sunday, Feb. 7

        Syracuse at Cincinnati

        USF at Notre Dame

 

Monday, Feb. 8

        Villanova at West Virginia                   7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Tuesday, Feb. 9

        Georgetown at Providence                 7 p.m.        ESPN2

 

Wednesday, Feb. 10

        Connecticut at Syracuse                     7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Thursday, Feb. 11

        Louisville at St. John’s                       7 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

        Notre Dame at Seton Hall

 

Friday, Feb. 12

        West Virginia at Pittsburgh                   9 p.m.        ESPN

 

Saturday, Feb. 13

        Cincinnati at Connecticut

        Providence at Villanova

        USF at Marquette

 

Sunday, Feb. 14

        DePaul at Seton Hall

        Louisville at Syracuse                       1 p.m.        ESPN

        Georgetown at Rutgers

        St. John’s at Notre Dame

 

Monday, Feb. 15

        Connecticut at Villanova                     7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Tuesday, Feb. 16

        Rutgers at DePaul

        Cincinnati at USF

 

Wednesday, Feb. 17

        Notre Dame at Louisville                     7 p.m.        ESPN2

        West Virginia at Providence

        Seton Hall at St. John’s

 

Thursday, Feb. 18

        Syracuse at Georgetown                   7 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

        Pittsburgh at Marquette                     9 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

 

Saturday, Feb. 20

        St. John’s at USF

        Seton Hall at West Virginia                   Noon         ESPN

        Louisville at DePaul

        Connecticut at Rutgers

 

Sunday, Feb. 21

        Villanova at Pittsburgh                       Noon         CBS Sports

        Marquette at Cincinnati

 

Monday, Feb. 22

        West Virginia at Connecticut                 7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Tuesday, Feb. 23

        Georgetown at Louisville                     7 p.m.        ESPN2

        Rutgers at Seton Hall

        Syracuse at Providence

 

Wednesday, Feb. 24

        Pittsburgh at Notre Dame                   7 p.m.        ESPN2

        DePaul at Cincinnati

        Marquette at St. John’s

        USF at Villanova

 

Saturday, Feb. 27

        Notre Dame at Georgetown                 Noon         CBS Sports

        Pittsburgh at St. John’s

        Cincinnati at West Virginia

        DePaul at Rutgers

        Providence at USF

        Villanova at Syracuse                       9 p.m.        ESPN

 

Sunday, Feb. 28

        Marquette at Seton Hall

        Louisville at Connecticut                     2 p.m.        CBS Sports

 

Monday, March 1

        Georgetown at West Virginia               7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Tuesday, March 2

        Villanova at Cincinnati                       7 p.m.        ESPN2

        Louisville at Marquette

        USF at DePaul

        St. John’s at Syracuse

 

Wednesday, March 3

        Connecticut at Notre Dame                 7 p.m.        ESPN

 

Thursday, March 4

        Seton Hall at Rutgers                       7 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

        Providence at Pittsburgh                   9 p.m.        ESPN/ESPN2

 

Friday, March 5

        St. John’s at DePaul

 

Saturday, March 6

        Cincinnati at Georgetown

        West Virginia at Villanova                     Noon         CBS Sports

        Syracuse at Louisville                       2 p.m.        ESPN

        Notre Dame at Marquette

        Rutgers at Pittsburgh

        Seton Hall at Providence

        Connecticut at USF                              

 

 

 

Note: All conference games not listed with CBS Sports, ESPN or ESPN2 above will be televised either by ESPNU, ESPN Regional/BIG EAST Network, or ESPN 360. Games listed as ‘ESPN/ESPN2’ will be selected to either ESPN or ESPN2, but the start time will not change.

 

 

 

2009-10 BIG EAST CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL NONCONFERENCE GAMES ON CBS SPORTS, ESPN, ESPN2 VERSUS AND FSN

 

Monday, Nov. 9

    Albany at Syracuse                             9 p.m.  ESPNU         2K Sports Classic

 

Wednesday, Nov. 11

    Robert Morris at Syracuse                       7 p.m.  ESPNU         2K Sports Classic

 

Monday, Nov. 16

    Colgate at Connecticut                         9 p.m.  ESPNU         NIT Season Tip-Off

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17

    Louisville vs. Arkansas                         7:30 p.m.  ESPN2         Hall of Fame Showcase

 

Thursday, Nov. 19

    Villanova vs George Mason                       2 p.m.  ESPNU         O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off

    Syracuse vs. California                           7 p.m.  ESPN2         2K Sports Classic

 

Friday, Nov. 20

    Villanova vs. Dayton/Georgia Tech         1 p.m./3 p.m.  ESPNU         O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off

    Syracuse vs. North Carolina/Ohio State     5 p.m./7 p.m.  ESPN2         2K Sports Classic

 

Sunday, Nov. 22

    Villanova vs. TBD                                 TBD   ESPN2/ESPNU O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off

 

Monday, Nov. 23

    Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt                         5 p.m.  ESPN2         EA Sports Maui Invitational

 

Tuesday, Nov. 24

    Cincinnati vs. Maryland/Chaminade     1:30 p.m./7 p.m.  ESPN/ESPN2   EA Sports Maui Invitational

 

Wednesday, Nov. 25

    Connecticut vs. TBD                             TBD   ESPN2         NIT Season Tip-Off

    Cincinnati vs. TBD                                 TBD   ESPN/ESPN2/  EA Sports Maui Invitational

                                                          ESPNU

 

Thursday, Nov. 26

    Marquette vs. Xavier                           2 p.m.  ESPN2         Old Spice Classic

    West Virginia vs. Long Beach State               2 p.m.  ESPNU         76 Classic

 

Friday, Nov. 27

    Marquette vs. Michigan/Creighton       Noon/2:30 p.m.  ESPN/ESPNU   Old Spice Classic

    West Virginia vs. Texas A&M/Clemson   2:30 p.m./5 p.m.  ESPN/ESPNU   76 Classic

    Connecticut vs. TBD                 2:30 p.m./5 p.m.  ESPN/ESPN2   NIT Season Tip-Off

 

Saturday, Nov. 28

    La Salle at Villanova                         3:30 p.m.  ESPN2

    Louisville at UNLV                               4 p.m.  Versus

 

Sunday, Nov. 29

    Marquette vs. TBD                               TBD   ESPN2/ESPNU Old Spice Classic

    West Virginia vs. TBD                             TBD   ESPN2/ESPNU 76 Classic

 

Saturday, Dec. 5

    St. John’s at Duke                           3:30 p.m.  ESPN2

 

Sunday, Dec. 6

    Villanova vs. Maryland                         7:30 p.m.  FSN           BB&T Classic

Tuesday, Dec. 8

    Georgetown vs. Butler                         7 p.m.  ESPN         Jimmy V Classic

    Pittsburgh vs. Indiana                           9 p.m.  ESPN         Jimmy V Classic

 

Wednesday, Dec. 9

    St. John’s vs. Georgia                           7 p.m.  ESPN2         SEC-BIG EAST Invitational

    Villanova at Saint Joseph’s                       9 p.m.  ESPN2

    Connecticut vs. Kentucky                     9:30 p.m.  ESPN         SEC-BIG EAST Invitational

 

Thursday, Dec. 10

    DePaul vs. Mississippi State                   6:30 p.m.  ESPN2         SEC-BIG EAST Invitational

    Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati                     8:30 p.m.  ESPN2

    Syracuse vs. Florida                             9 p.m.  ESPN         SEC-BIG EAST Invitational

 

Saturday, Dec. 12

    Georgetown vs. Washington                     2 p.m.  FSN           Wooden Classic

    Marquette at Wisconsin                         5 p.m.  ESPN2

 

Sunday, Dec. 13

    Cincinnati at Xavier                             7 p.m.  ESPNU

 

Saturday, Dec. 19

    UCLA at Notre Dame                           2 p.m.  CBS Sports

    Western Kentucky at Louisville                   4 p.m.  ESPN2

 

Wednesday, Dec. 23

    Mississippi at West Virginia                   7:30 p.m.  ESPN2

 

Monday, Dec. 28

    Rutgers at North Carolina                     8:30 p.m.  ESPN2

 

Friday, Jan. 1

    West Virginia at Purdue                     2:30 p.m.  ESPN

 

Saturday, Jan. 2

    Louisville at Kentucky                         3:30 p.m.  CBS Sports

    Seton Hall vs. Virginia Tech                   7:30 p.m.  ESPN2

 

Wednesday, Jan. 6

    Memphis at Syracuse                           7 p.m.  ESPN2

 

Sunday, Jan. 17

    Connecticut at Michigan                     4:30 p.m.  CBS Sports

 

Saturday, Jan. 23

    Ohio State at West Virginia                     2 p.m.  CBS Sports

    Texas at Connecticut                           4 p.m.  CBS Sports

 

Saturday, Jan. 30

    Duke at Georgetown                           1 p.m.  CBS Sports

 

All times Eastern

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, July 31, 2009

Beisel advances at World Championships

By: Frank Carpano

North Kingstown swimmer Elizabeth Beisel has advanced to the semifinals of the World Championships in Rome. The semifinals will take place at noon Eastern time (6pm in Rome). If she advances to the final, that race will run on Saturday at noon our time. Beisel is also scheduled to compete in the 400 IM on Sunday.
NBC 10 will televise the competition Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Lincoln Little League advances

by: Frank Carpano

The Lincoln Little League team has advanced to the regionals in Bristol, Ct. Lincoln beat Johnston National for the second consecutive night to win the Rhode Island state title. 11-6 was the final score. The title deciding game was quite a display of power. Johnston National’s Gian Martellini hit 3 homeruns in the losing effort. Lincoln’s Jake Petrin and Tyler Duquette hit homeruns for the state champs.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Why I picked these Top 10

by: Frank Carpano

One of the great things about sports is that it sparks debate. Usually good natured back and forth regarding which team, player or event is the best or worst of all-time.

As a part of WJAR-TV’s 60th anniversary celebration I was asked to produce a list of the top 10 local sports stories of the past 60 years.

I began with a list of about 30 things. Way to many to fit into our “top 10”. So I started to narrow down the list. No easy task.

Now that the final results are in, I felt it necessary to explain myself.

So here are the reasons behind my top 10 (actually 11) local sports stories of the past 60 years.

(in no particular order)

Rocky Marciano: If boxers could declare a “Home field”, then Providence was it for the great Rocky Marciano. Between 1948 and 1952, Rocky fought and won 29 times at Providence’s Rhode Island Auditorium. If it wasn’t already, that helped put Providence on the boxing map.

PC NIT wins: I wasn’t in Rhode Island during this time, but from what I’m told there is nothing to compare to the outpouring of affection when the Providence College Friars won the NIT tournament in 1961. Back then, the NIT was “the” college basketball tournament. When the Friars returned from their championship win in New York City, fans lined route 6 at the Rhode Island-Connecticut border to welcome them home.

33 inning game: the Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings still hold the record for the longest game. This one happened in 1981. I can remember the night it started vividly. I was working the Saturday night before Easter. I kept calling the McCoy Stadium pressbox leading up to our 11pm newscast. The answer was always the same “The game is still going!” After the 11pm show I drove to my parents home in Wilton, Connecticut and never gave the game a second thought until the next morning. It was then that I learned how late it went. Unbelievable!

1983 America’s Cup: For 132 years, the New York Yacht Club hold on the America’s Cup was unmatched. Every 3 years, challengers would line up to get beat by the NYYC’s Defender. But in 1983 that all changed. Australia 2, with its radical keel design beat Dennis Connor and Liberty to wrestle the cup away. The 7th and deciding race aired live on NBC 10. The first time ever a sailing race had aired on live television.

Vinny Paz:  During our 60 years there was no more charismatic of controversial athlete than Cranston boxer Vinny Paz. Love him or hate him you had to admire his guts, especially the way he battled back fvrom a broken neck suffered in a car accident to return to the ring. A 5 time world champion, Pa retired with 50 wins.

Mount Saint Charles Hockey:  From 1978 until 2003 the Mounties lead by head coach Bill Belisle won the state little league championship every year. 26 straight state hockey titles. And the incredible thing is that they didn’t run away with the title every year. Many years they had to comeback to win,
Cranston Western Little League: In 1996 the Cranston Western Little league team won the United States title in Williamsport, Pa. They weren’t the biggest team in the tournament, to the contrary, they were a small group of boys with big hearts. And their families appeared to have as much fun watching them as the kids did playing the games. Thousand greeted their return at the Cranston Stadium rally. No Rhode Island team has been able to match that accomplishment.

Sara DeCosta: In 1996 Sara DeCosta was a member of the US Women’s hockey team that won the Olympic gold medal at the Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. Sara is the first native Rhode Islander to win an Olympic gold medal. DeCosta went on to win a silver medal 4 years later at the Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

Patriots win the Super Bowl: On February 2002, the Patriots won Super Bowl 36, beating the Rams 20-17 on a last second 48 yard field goal by new Eng;and’s Adam Vintieri. Nuff Said!

CVS Charity Classic: Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon are two local PGA Tour pro’s who take “giving back to the community” very seriously. For 11 years they have teamed with Rhode island corporate giant CVS to produce the CVS Caremark Charity Classic. Each year they bring professional golf’s biggest names to Barrington to play in the Charity classic. The biggest winner? The local charities who have benefitted from over 10 million the event has raised for the non profits.

That’s 10. but I save the best for last. In my mind, the number 1 story of the past 60 years.

2004 Red Sox: In 2004 the Boston Red Sox snapped an 86 year drought and won the World Series. We were in St. Louis when they closed out their series with the Cardinals.
I dare say that nobody will have a problem with this being my Number 1.

Agree, Disagree? Did I leave something out…..email me

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Sox to retire Rice’s #14

Courtesy of Boston Red Sox

RED SOX TO HONOR HALL OF FAMER JIM RICE AND RETIRE HIS NUMBER 14

DURING PRE-GAME CEREMONIES ON TUESDAY, JULY 28

BOSTON, MA— The Boston Red Sox today announced plans to retire Hall of Famer Jim Rice’s uniform number 14 as a tribute to his exceptional career in a Red Sox uniform and in honor of his induction into The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.  The ceremony will take place prior to the Red Sox-Athletics game at Fenway Park on Tuesday, July 28.

“As a fan of the game and a steward of this great franchise, it is an honor to be a part of the Red Sox during this special moment in the team’s history.  On behalf of our partners and the entire organization, we want to congratulate Jim Rice on his upcoming induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and finally taking his rightful place among the greatest players in the game,” said John Henry, Principal Owner.  “The retirement of his number will be a fitting way to honor one of the most dominant hitters to ever wear a Red Sox uniform.”

It will be the seventh number to be retired by the franchise, joining Bobby Doerr (#1), Joe Cronin (#4), Johnny Pesky (#6), Carl Yastrzemski (#8), Ted Williams (#9), and Carlton Fisk (#27). The number of Jackie Robinson (#42) has been retired by all teams in Major League Baseball.

Jim Rice was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York on January 12, 2009, becoming one of 32 Red Sox players to receive the honor. He is the 48th electee to spend his entire career with one team and just the fourth to do so with Boston, joining Bobby Doerr, Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski.  He will be enshrined in Cooperstown on Sunday, July 26 along with former outfielder Rickey Henderson who spent the 2002 season in a Red Sox uniform.

“It will be a thrill to welcome Jim Rice back to Fenway after his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.  As one of only four Hall of Famers to spend his entire career with this organization, Jim will be joining an elite group of players whose contributions to Red Sox history are etched in the memories of generations of fans,” said Tom Werner, Chairman.  “And we are very fortunate that he continues to be a part of Red Sox games by bringing his more than three decades of baseball experience to the NESN broadcasting team.”

Over 16 seasons from 1974-89, Rice batted .298 with 382 home runs and 1,451 RBI in 2,089 games, earning eight All-Star selections along the way. He placed among the top five in American League Most Valuable Player voting six times during his career, more than any other player between 1963 and 2005, and won the award in 1978 when he hit .315 with 213 hits, 46 home runs, 139 RBI, and a .600 slugging percentage. The former Red Sox captain also collected 406 total bases in 1978, still the only A.L. player to reach 400 since Joe DiMaggio in 1937 (418).

“This is a moment of celebration for all of Red Sox Nation – young and old. Our fans have known for a long time that Jim Rice, one of the greatest offensive baseball players in recent history, belongs in the Hall of Fame,” said Larry Lucchino, President and CEO.  “We look forward to celebrating his achievement with our fans at Fenway Park, when Jim’s number 14 goes up permanently on the right field façade.”

Rice, who was one of the first inductees into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 1995, ranks among the club’s all-time leaders in at-bats (3rd), hits (3rd), home runs (3rd), RBI (3rd), games (4th), runs (4th), doubles (6th), triples (6th), slugging percentage (8th) and walks (8th). He has been a member of the organization since he was selected with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 1971 June draft. In 1974, he won the International League Triple Crown, batting .337 with 25 long balls and 93 RBI for Pawtucket.

Following his playing career, he was a roving minor league hitting instructor for Boston from 1992-94, a major league hitting coach from 1995-2000, and continues to serve the team today as a special assignment instructor, a role he has held since 2001. He also works as an analyst on NESN’s pre and post-game Red Sox coverage.

RED SOX RETIRED NUMBERS

1—Bobby Doerr (formally retired May 21, 1988)

4—Joe Cronin (formally retired May 29, 1984)

6—Johnny Pesky (formally retired September 26, 2008)

8—Carl Yastrzemski (formally retired August 6, 1989)

9—Ted Williams (formally retired May 29, 1984)

14—Jim Rice (to be formally retired July 28, 2009)

27—Carlton Fisk (formally retired September 4, 2000)

42—Jackie Robinson (formally retired by Major League Baseball April 15, 1997)

JIM RICE’S MAJOR LEAGUE CAREER RECORD

YR.    CLUB         BA     G       AB     R       H       2B     3B     HR     RBI   BB     TB     SO     SB

1974   Boston         .269   24     67     6       18     2       1       1       13     4       25     12     0

1975   Boston         .309   144     564     92     174     29     4       22     102     36     277     122     10

1976   Boston         .282   153     581     75     164     25     8       25     85     28     280     123     8

1977   Boston         .320   160     644     104     206     29     15     39     114     53     382     120     5

1978   Boston         .315   163     677     121     213     25     15     46     139     58     406     126     7

1979   Boston         .325   158     619     117     201     39     6       39     130     57     369     97     9

1980   Boston         .294   124     504     81     148     22     6       24     86     30     254     87     8

1981   Boston         .284   108     451     51     128     18     1       17     62     34     199     76     2

1982   Boston         .309   145     573     86     177     24     5       24     97     55     283     98     0

1983   Boston         .305   155     626     90     191     34     1       39     126     52     344     102     0

1984   Boston         .280   159     657     98     184     25     7       28     122     44     307     102     4

1985   Boston         .291   140     546     85     159     20     3       27     103     51     266     75     2

1986   Boston         .324   157     618     98     200     39     2       20     110     62     303     78     0

1987   Boston         .277   108     404     66     112     14     0       13     62     45     165     77     1

1988   Boston         .264   135     485     57     128     18     3       15     72     48     197     89     1

1989   Boston         .234   56     209     22     49     10     2       3       28     13     72     39     1

16-Yr. M.L. Totals     .298   2089   8225   1249   2452   373     79     382     1451   670     4129   1423   58

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Report: Celtics get Wallace

Frank Carpano

the Boston Herald is reporting that the Boston Celtics have reached agreement on a 2 year contract with free agent Rahseed Wallace

http://bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20090705rasheed_wallace_a_celtic/srvc=home&position=0

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Baron to play in NBA Summer Leagues

Frank Carpano

When it comes to the NBA Draft, if a player isn’t going to be drafted in the first round, in some cases, it’s better to not be drafted at all. The first round brings guaranteed money, the 2cd round does not.
URI’s Jimmy Baron was one of those kids who was borderline on draft night. He ended up not being drafted. But their is an upside. Jimmy is now a free agent. He weigh offers from different NBA teams and then accept an offer from the team that gives them the greatest chance to play.

With that here’s the latest from URI regarding Baron and his pro aspirations.

Jimmy Baron to play in two NBA Summer Leagues
Baron to play with the Utah Jazz at the Orlando Pro Summer League and with the Wizards at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

June 30, 2009

Click here for the 2009 Orlando Summer League website
Click here for the 2009 NBA Summer League website

KINGSTON, R.I.—Jimmy Baron will be taking part in two of the NBA’s official summer leagues over the next few weeks.

Baron will play with the Utah Jazz summer league team at the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League at the RDV Sportsplex, from July 6-10. The 15-game event will feature the Jazz, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics and a split squad between the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

From July 14-19, Baron will play with the Washington Wizards at the 2009 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Games will be played at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of UNLV.

With between four and seven games daily, the Summer League provides younger NBA players, undrafted free agents and newly drafted rookies the chance to get head-to-head NBA experience.

Summer League games play with a slightly different set of rules from regular NBA games. The games have four, ten minute quarters with an eight minute halftime and players don’t foul out until their 10th personal foul.

Wide-open and high-scoring, the NBA Summer League should feature many of the lottery selections from the 2009 draft.

2009 Orlando Pro Summer League schedule
July 6 - Utah vs. Boston - 7 p.m.
July 7 - Utah vs. N.J./Philadelphia - 5 p.m.
July 8 - Utah vs. Indiana - 3 p.m.
July 9 - Utah vs. Orlando - 5 p.m.
July 10 - Utah vs. Oklahoma City – 11 a.m.

2009 NBA Summer League
July 14 - Washington vs. Cleveland - 6:30 p.m.
July 15 - Washington vs. Denver - 10:30 p.m.
July 17 - Washington vs. Minnesota - 8 p.m.
July 18 - Washington vs. L.A. Clippers - 8:30 p.m.
July 19 - Washington vs. New York - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Ken Ryan Interview

Frank Carpano

Ken Ryan is a former major league pitcher with the Red Sox and Phillies. Ryan grew up in Seekonk, Ma and operates Ken Ryan Baseball Academy in Pawtucket. He recently appeared on NBC 10’s Sports Extra Program. Here’s the transcript of the interesting things Ken Ryan had to say.

Ken Ryan Interview

o Carpano -  What has surprised you most about the Boston Red Sox this year?

Ryan – Well I think their bullpen has been fantastic. It has been a key ingredient so far early in the season. Their offense has been pretty good. Jason Bay, I think everyone is surprised and excited by what he has been able to bring to the team, 14 homeruns, and just solid offensive production. Their rotation is starting to come around. I think the key and strength to this team is its pitching.

o Carpano – the bullpen is clearly the component of this team that is clicking on all cylinders.

Ryan – The bullpen is unbelievable with Papelbon has been lights out. Ramirez has been pitching terrific and Okajima. It’s solid. There are a number of guys down there doing a terrific job. You get that lead going into the seventh inning and they have been pretty much lights out. 3:03 The starting rotation is really starting to come around. We have seen Beckett the last two starts have been fantastic. Lester pitched a very good game today as well.

o Carpano – Do you think that Matsuzaka’s participation in the World Baseball Classic is the cause of his problems this season?

Ryan – I think so. The intensity of that early in the season and playing at that emotional level by going out there and trying to represent your country. I don’t care what they say. They’re going to go out there and go full out. I think obviously it took its toll early on and at this point just trying to get back in the mix, get that rhythm again, get on that mound and feel good about yourself. He’s going to need a couple starts to get himself there.

o Carpano – Whats next if Big Papi doesn’t begin to produce at the plate?

Ryan – Well hopefully he will produce. It is frustrating. He got a good hit yesterday but just a 1-5 day today and he had a couple strikeouts last night. I think you just got to hope this comes around. If we get closer to the all-star break or if it’s the all-star break and he is hitting .185 with 1 homerun, they’re going to have to make a move. They have already moved him down in the lineup like you have mentioned. But you know the talk is why is it happening? Is it his eyes? Is it a steroid thing? Right now I think it’s none of that. It’s up here in his head. If he can get out of it, they’re going to need him down the stretch.

o Carpano - You’re doing color commentary on minor league games on NESN , who are some guys on the farm we should be keeping an eye out for?

Ryan – I think Aaron Bates a guy in Double A. He’s playing very well, a position player. But right now in Pawtucket it’s Michael Bowden, Clay Bucholz outstanding. The strength down in Pawtucket is their pitching. These are two guys that could probably pitch in the big leagues right now. They’re going to be wanted by a lot of organizations. We talk about David Ortiz struggling. If they decide to go out and get themselves a big bat, they have the luxury of possibly dealing one of these guys to take care of that situation.

o Carpano – (Manny Ramirez is currently serving a 50 game suspension for steroid use) What is your opinion regarding whether Manny Ramirez should play in the All Star game if elected. He’s currently fourth in voting.  Isn’t this supposed to be based on your first half accomplishments?

Ryan – I think it is. We know the whole Manny situation. He’s tested positive for steroids and so forth. But the fans are voting and I guess in the end fans have the last say. But the whole situation is a really sad situation, the situation he is in. Any chance he will do the right thing and say no thanks I’m not going to play? 5:57 Ryan – Well Manny being Manny how many times have we heard that. How many times has he done the right thing in the past? Hopefully this time he will.

o Carpano – Talk a little about the Ken Ryan Baseball Academy.

Ryan – We have our summer camp coming up July 13th-18th. Our website is KRbaseball.com It’s a great camp for anyone who is interested in a baseball summer camp. Ages 9-12 and 13+ at Slater Park in Pawtucket. All the information is on our website at KRbaseball.com or they can call us at 401-724-7555

Thursday, May 14, 2009

“The Voice” Don Pardo

By: Frank Carpano

Don Pardo, the famous announcer who is the voice that introduces each Saturday Night Live show was at NBC 10 today.

He is in Rhode Island to be inducted into the state’s Radio Hall of Fame. He worked at the old WJAR radio in the 30’s and 40’s. In fact, he left WJAR for New York and the NBC network where he still works today. At the age of 91!

Our paths have crossed a couple of times.
The first time was when I was an undergrad at Ithaca College. I hosted a 50 hour radiothon to benefit the American Heart Association and each hour I interviewed a different guest via the telephone.

At the time, Pardo was a famous booth announcer for NBC and did a lot of voice work on the then wildly famous “Imus in the Morning” show on WNBC radio. I was a college student working at the school station and held Pardo and Imus in high esteem.

Pardo called in to our little radiothon to spend a few minutes speaking with a wet behind the ears college freshman. I can’t remember how the interview went, (no doubt plenty of ums and ahs by me) but I couldn’t believe my good fortune to speak with one of broadcastings most famous voices.

When I saw Pardo today I told him we had bumped into each other many, many years ago on an elevator at 30 Rock (the building that is home to the NBC network). I was in awe of him then. Not sure I said a word.

He couldn’t have been more gracious today, kindly spending time speaking with me and my co-workers.

I don’t usually go out of my way to approach celebrities whose work I admire. Too many times I discover that they aren’t very nice people and that spoils my enjoyment of their future work.

I am happy to report that Don Pardo, broadcasting legend, didn’t disappoint me. Professionally and personally, he’s the best!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Taylor stays in Miami

by: Frank Carpano

Reports out of Miami are that Free Agnet pass rusher Jason Taylor has decided to stay in Miami, resigning with the Dolphins. The Patriots had reportedly courted Taylor. Taylor said in the end, he wanted to stay close to his South Florida home.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Red Sox-Yankees, where’s the love?

Frank Carpano

I had to make sure which teams were playing when the Red Sox made their first visit to Yankee Stadium. Surely a Red Sox Yankee game would produce a soldout crowd at the new stadium

However, Many of the most expensive seats again were empty. Just 54 of the 98 first-row Legends Suite seats costing $2,500 were occupied in the first inning of the final game of the series , and three of the first nine rows behind the plate were mostly vacant. Later, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, wearing a Yankees jacket, sat just to the third-base side of the plate in one of those front-row seats.

I don’t blame it on the economy, I blame it on greed. Even in the best of times, who can afford $2500 for a seat at one baseball game!

For me, it took something away from the intensity of the series. I know it usually ends up being the high rollers who get the best seats closest to the field. But shouldn’t it be the biggest fans.

For example, during the Sunday night Red Sox-Rays finale at Fenway Park, I saw a fan in a Boston jersey in the front row of the seats talking to the Rays player in the on deck circle. I have no doubt that he was trying to get into the guys head to mess with him prior to his at bat.

Give the best seats to the real fans is not the way the world works, but it’s a nice thought.

Speaking of thoughts….Who would have thought that 6 weeks into the baseball season, Rocco Baldelli, Jonathan Van Every and Julio Lugo would all have more homeruns than David Ortiz?