BASEBALL

The World Series is over!  And so is the Philly drought. The Philadelphia Phillies brought the first championship back to the city since the 76ers won the NBA Championship in 1983.  The game began in odd fashion, considering it was a continuation of a game from Monday night with two days of rain pushing it to Wednesday.  The Phillies led 3-2, until Rocco Baldelli tied it up in the 7th inning.  But then, in that same inning, Pedro Feliz hit a clutch single to bring in a run, the Phillies led 4-3, and were FEELING it.  The Rays made some bizarre managerial decisions, putting in some sub-prime pitchers instead of David Price, but hindsight is 20/20.  Phillies all-star closer Brad Lidge ended the game with a beautiful strike out, and then the Philly fans went CRAZY!!  Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels was awarded MVP of the World Series, as he was absolutely amazing in the post-season.  Congratulations to the Phillies, but a congratulatory hats off to the Tampa Bay Rays, who provided us with a memorable Cinderella story this season.  Philadelphia 4, Tampa Bay 3.

NBA

More tip-off nights for most of the league.  In New York, it was the new-look with former Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni.  And you’re not going to believe this, but… the Knicks looked good.  Michael Beasley, the No. 2 NBA pick looked average, scoring only 9 points in his debut.  But hey, it’s his first game in the pros.  New York’s defense was shaky at times, but they outscored the Heat, and held on to the win the game.  For at least one night, Knicks fans have something to cheer about.  New York 120, Miami 115.

It was also the opening night for the newest franchise in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder (formerly the Seattle Supersonics).  They looked sub-par, and their uniforms are hideous, but Oklahoma City is thrilled to have them.  Charlie Villanueva, Michael Redd, and Richard Jefferson led the way for the Bucks with 20 points, while it was former Univ. of Maryland star, Chris Wilcox, putting up 15 pts for the Thunder.  An exciting day in OKC.  Milwaukee 98, Oklahoma City 87.

And finally, Lance Armstrong has shocked the world returning to cycling at 37.  Quite a senior age for a cyclist.  But he has stated that he’s not coming back to “prove the critics wrong”, but rather to continue raising awareness for cancer worldwide.  Talk about a role model.