http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/NoteFromElichapsBlog/home Recent NoteFromElichapsBlog Posts en-us As we sit and watch our baseball season enter it's second half, waiting to see if certain baseball players are traded, still reading about one player or another contracted with a new team in the NBA, contracts still being decided upon in the NFL, gearing up for the Olympics later this month ~ we have the British Open on the schedule to begin next Thursday, July 19th. PGA's Phil Mickelson has been working on his golf game which has been less than satisfying for him; and, definitely not what we have seen from him in recent years. Being a 20 year "vet" to the game and usually right in the "hunt" in the tournaments he has played in ~ not so much in his last eight rounds. He has fought to stay at even par, but has ended over. He did not make the cut in his last appearance at the Greenbrier Classic ~ that was only his second in his career. The first being in 1993 playing in the Byron Nelson tournament. During the Greenbrier, he had stated his tee shots were less than desirable, his shor Sat, 14 Jul 2012 07:18:04 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_british_open_and_mickelson_coming_soon/11218597 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_british_open_and_mickelson_coming_soon/11218597 The British Open and Mickelson ~ Coming Soon http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_british_open_and_mickelson_coming_soon/11218597 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Kansas City Kauffman Stadium ~ Home of the Royals, was packed full for 2012 All-Star Game. Fans of all major league teams enjoying the pregame show, presentation of the players and gave silent respect to our National Anthem sung by Luke Bryan ~ he pauses ~ only to begin a beautiful rendition. However, he made sure he did not mess up our country's honorary song for those in attendance and with millions of eyes watching ~ by referring to the lyrics written on his hand! Pretty clever and wonderfully done. Play Ball!! The National League once again have home field advantage for the World Series as they served up a goose egg to the American League, 8-0. What a tribute to NL Chipper Jones in his last All-Star appearance. This is the third straight win for the NL which has not happened in three decades. The last NL shutout was in 1996, 6-0. NL pitchers Cain, Strasburg, R.A. Dickey, Chapman + seven others only allowed 6 hits during the course of the game. Magnificent performance by the NL pitchers. NL Manag Wed, 11 Jul 2012 07:41:13 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/to_atlanta_braves_chipper_jones_quite_the_tribute_with_nl_shutout_over_the_al/11196262 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/to_atlanta_braves_chipper_jones_quite_the_tribute_with_nl_shutout_over_the_al/11196262 To Atlanta Brave's Chipper Jones ~ Quite the Tribute with NL Shutout Over The AL http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/to_atlanta_braves_chipper_jones_quite_the_tribute_with_nl_shutout_over_the_al/11196262 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png We have had a busy weekend in sports. Serean Williams, USA, wins the Women's Wimbledon Cup. But sadly, Britain's tennis idol ~ Andy Murray ~ did not fair so well in the Men's Division. He lost to 30 year old Roger Federer. This was Federer seventh championship win at the Wimbledon. In an emotional speech afterwards, Murray stated that the 30 year old still had it, but it was his fans that got him through ~ especially after slipping during the match and twisting his ankle which proved to be factor in remaining match. But, I do believe that the Brit's will see Andy back on the court in their future. At Greenbrier, we have a playoff with Troy Kelly and Ted Potter, Jr. Each finished regulation -16. They were tied after the first hole of the playoff....we are waiting to see how the second pans out. But, to Wade Simpson demise ~ he had a repeat of his performance last year. Holding the lead coming into today ~ start falling off on the back nine. He finished -11. After a continued tie on P-O 2, Kell Mon, 09 Jul 2012 06:43:14 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/wimbledon_greenbrier_plus/11181313 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/wimbledon_greenbrier_plus/11181313 Wimbledon, Greenbrier .... Plus http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/wimbledon_greenbrier_plus/11181313 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png At what point does an athlete says ~ I must take care of myself first, my team, and possibly their career, second. At what point does an athlete concede, they just aren't going to be able to return 100%...or confront reality that they would be more of a hindrance to the team, than worthy in their efforts in their position. Mind-over-matter is a great state of mind ~ but what is the toll it may cost the individual's future physical damage. .... Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter is currently having to contemplate that situation. He recently received news that was not of the best to get him back on the mound as starting pitcher for the Cardinals. He was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome ~ a compression of the nerves that can lead to pain in the neck and arm and loss of feeling in the fingers.  Carpenter has been out this season battling nerve aggravation in his right shoulder and has been working in rehab and had progressed to throwing pitches in the bullpen and on the mound. This new Sat, 30 Jun 2012 07:24:19 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/update_on_cardinals_chris_carpenter/11122817 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/update_on_cardinals_chris_carpenter/11122817 Update on Cardinals Chris Carpenter .... http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/update_on_cardinals_chris_carpenter/11122817 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png We, as Cardinal fans, did have a moment of enjoyment with having 5 wins in a row, 1 sweep to their recent credit and hoping to add one more .... however, in the third game of their series with the Marlin's ~ was just not to be. We have discussed "umpire reviews" and how we would like to see them review "calls" in instant replay in our baseball world. During last night's game ~ they sure did! Why in this game ~ who knows....but a sign of our future? Cardinals rookie SP Joe Kelly (1-0) pitched through the sixth inning ~ only allowing 5 hits and walked two ~ both, Infante and Sanchez. Infante scored on a single to center by J. Buck.  Reyes grounded out, but Sanchez in to score. Tied score 2-2. In the top of the seventh ~ Cardinals Cruz had his first home run in his major league career ~ and the only home run for the Cardinals last night. Missing Craig and Molina in the line-up last night certainly made a difference. But, here nor there....should be able to overcome a &quot Thu, 28 Jun 2012 12:01:13 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_another_day_instant_replay/11109581 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_another_day_instant_replay/11109581 Cardinals, Another Day ..... Instant Replay??! http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_another_day_instant_replay/11109581 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png With the All-Star Extravaganza in our near future ~ the Home Run Derby has become quite the event for the fans. The hitters are chosen from the final roster of the All-Star game. Who might be included for the big hitters. Here are six "potentials" reportedly we may see ~ American League  Mark Trumbo, Angels ~ fantastic start this season batting over .320 with 48 rbi’s and most importantly for the derby, 17 homers.  Yoenis Cespedes, Athletics ~ should he be considered, the rookie has shown potential in the short time he has played.  With "seven home runs that on average travel 409.5 feet. His longest home run of his very short career was a 462 foot bomb in the Oakland Coliseum which isn’t exactly a hitter’s park."  Eric Hosmer, Royals ~"he is hitting only .217 with eight homers but if Cano wanted to have a Royals player out there, he’s the guy. Hosmer is the face of the Royals, does have power and it would be an excellent way to bring national attention to a play Sun, 24 Jun 2012 08:09:01 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/mlb_all_star_home_run_derby_extravaganza/11078840 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/mlb_all_star_home_run_derby_extravaganza/11078840 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby Extravaganza http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/mlb_all_star_home_run_derby_extravaganza/11078840 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Ah, the sweet sound of the broom ~ the Cardinals had their first 3 game sweep over the San Diego Padres last night as Lance Lynn came out with his seventh season win and Motte came in to close adding a save to his record, now at 8 ~ a win over the Padres, 6-3.  The former Cardinal Suppan, 2-3, was handed the loss for the Padres. However, for Cardinal fans, the first inning was looking to be a long night for their team. Possibly another sweep lost.  Even though Lynn gave up 3 runs in the first ~ he settled down like a veteran pitcher with holding the Padres scoreless in his next five innings. The Cardinals, once again, made a great team effort ~ being injury ridden with Berkman, Jay, Craig and Matt Carpenter out ~ they overcame their obstacles and stepped up to the plate for a victory for Lynn. Beltran hit his first homer in 10 days for the go-ahead runs. He had returned to the starting line-up this past weekend from the DL for a sore right knee. Prior to his injury, he had 6 home runs in six games. But as Thu, 24 May 2012 07:21:50 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_cardinals_do_have_a_broom/10862615 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_cardinals_do_have_a_broom/10862615 The Cardinals Do Have A Broom http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_cardinals_do_have_a_broom/10862615 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png We all face changes in our lives which alter, to some degree, what we had planned. In professional sports ~ the games we enjoy so much ~ we do not like to see the possibility of an injury being a life decision for a player. However, this may be what Cardinals Lance Berkman will face after he undergoes an MRI today of his right knee. Sustaining the injury in Saturday's game against the Dodgers, his knee buckled after a stretch to catch a throw. He had to have assistance to get off the field. He has been placed on the 15 day DL pending test results done today. This is the sixth time on a DL during his career. Lance is 36 years old, been in the majors 14 years. But this season for the Cardinals, he's only been able to play 13 games ~ and has had to miss 21 due to a strained left calf. He has had 4 surgeries in his past concerning both knees, so he's not unfamiliar with the procedure and rehab it takes to get back to 100%. Being younger and still hungry to be out on the field is incentive for any pla Mon, 21 May 2012 07:15:01 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_berkman_to_face_a_possible_tough_decision/10837277 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_berkman_to_face_a_possible_tough_decision/10837277 Cardinals Berkman to Face A Possible Tough Decision http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_berkman_to_face_a_possible_tough_decision/10837277 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png While the OKC Thunder roared back to win over the LA Lakers last night, 77-75 ~ a great game for the OKC fans with their Thunder coming back from a seven point deficit to take a 2-0 lead in their series. The Celtics getting back into the series with their win over the 76er's, 107-91 ~ baseball was in full "swing"!   The Cardinals traveled west after their 5 game home schedule ~ but not before losing 3 to the Braves and one of two, short series, to the Cubs. However, they held off a 0-5 streak at home, the final day, beating the Cubs by a slim margin, 7-6. But the "W" goes up for the Cardinals, regardless.  It has been the slump of David Freese, for the Cardinals, that has had all Cardinal fans concerned. Up until yesterday, he was definitely in a slump with his 0-17.  With his batting average dropping from .329 to .283, this was just as frustrating to him as it has been for the fans. However, as teams are not 100% all the time, neither are players ~ just ask Pujols! Freese did ge Thu, 17 May 2012 07:26:03 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_david_freese_slowly_making_his_way_back/10811405 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_david_freese_slowly_making_his_way_back/10811405 Cardinals David Freese ~ Slowly Making His Way Back http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/cardinals_david_freese_slowly_making_his_way_back/10811405 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After last night's hard fought battle, the Chicago Bulls return home for their battle weary players ~ not to play game 7 ~ but to rest and regroup for next season. The Philadelphia 76er's prevailed. It was a see-saw performance with the lead exchanging between the two teams throughout the game. The first half was nothing to shout about for the Bulls, but they held their own at times being a constant threat to the Sixer's. With a three pointer taken off the score board for the Bulls due to an offensive foul at the end of the first half, the Sixer's held the lead by 9. Coming back in the third quarter from a 12 point deficit, the Bulls applied pressure, defensively and offensively ~ and gave hope to the Bulls' fans, once again. Thibodeau took Boozer out, putting Taj Gibson in during the third period.  Gibson seemed to give the Bulls the necessary strength on the floor they needed. The Bulls' looked like they may just be able to overtake the Sixer's. And, that they did...staying in Fri, 11 May 2012 07:13:43 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/may_the_chicago_bulls_rip_for_the_summer/10768163 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/may_the_chicago_bulls_rip_for_the_summer/10768163 May the Chicago Bulls "RIP" ~ For the Summer http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/may_the_chicago_bulls_rip_for_the_summer/10768163 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Just when things were looking bleak for the Chicago Bull's fans ~ "Da Bulls" come out with a win over the Sixer's last night. With the Bulls' being injury plagued ~ Deng and Boozer, finally, stepped up the pace saving elimination from the series. With the 77-69 win, Loul Deng scored 24 points, and Carlos Boozer added 19 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulls were able to hold the Sixer's to season lows for points and shooting ( 32.1 percent). And with Deng and Boozer coming up big, Chicago kept its season going. The Bulls' held a nine point lead at halftime and kept control til the end. It was a necessity to keep the Bulls' hopes alive. The series now is 3-2, still in favor of Phildelphia. Now they return to Philadelphia for one game and should this spurt of energy and hard play continue, the Bulls' should be able to grab another win. I believe the team has come to terms that Rose is out ~ and Noah may not be back either, so those on the floor must make a difference, as we Wed, 09 May 2012 06:59:29 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/just_when_we_thought_the_bulls_were_out/10751327 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/just_when_we_thought_the_bulls_were_out/10751327 Just When We Thought the Bulls Were Out http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/just_when_we_thought_the_bulls_were_out/10751327 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png For the Chicago Bulls last night's performance was certainly not what we have seen during the regular season. Now, with Joakim Noah being injured during the third period in last night's game ~ one misstep and he crashed down on his side and clutched his sprained left ankle. Noah tried to play during the fourth, but only for a couple of minutes, hobbling up and down the court ~ but with great effort in continuing to put pressure on the 76er's, he did contribute a 15 footer. With trying to do his best and play through the pain, Noah was retired to the bench and taken to the locker room with the help of crutches and a protective boot. With injuries plaguing the Bulls ~ the 76er's definitely are looking to eliminate the top seed of the playoffs. They were able to win game two in Chicago without the "Rose force" against them, due to Derrick's torn ACL and being out of the picture. They took advantage in last night's game and without Noah's help on the floor during the thir Sat, 05 May 2012 09:51:18 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/chicago_bulls_demiseinjury_plagued/10724471 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/chicago_bulls_demiseinjury_plagued/10724471 Chicago Bulls Demise....Injury Plagued http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/chicago_bulls_demiseinjury_plagued/10724471 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Yesterday was certainly not the Cardinals best day ~ 2 for 14, leaving 13 stranded. But it was the last play of the day that left the crowd dumbfounded ~ scratching their heads in disbelief ~ what the heck was that!  Cardinals were within one run of a tie in the bottom of the ninth ~ two on base, first and third with no outs.  Things were looking up and a possible win was hopeful.  Freese was up to bat, struck out.  Molina struck out on a high pitch. Beltran on first makes a break towards second ~ Greene on third ready to run to home plate if there was a throw. Brewers catcher, Jonathan Lucroy double pumps a throw to second ~ throwing off Greene's timing.  Beltran thought for sure he was out heading back to first. However, shortstop Gonzalez saw Greene heading towards home and throwing back in to Lucroy ~ Greene missed the home plate on his hook slide, around the umpire ~ standing and then Greene was tagged by Lucroy. The umpire saved his "out" call until Greene was actually tagged. Game o Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:58:06 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_cardinals_not_a_good_day/10682567 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_cardinals_not_a_good_day/10682567 The Cardinals ~ Not A Good Day! http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/the_cardinals_not_a_good_day/10682567 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png There are thousands of coaches for all types of sports across America. Each with a goal for their team to be victorious; but, hopefully instilling values and morals along the way to their team members - not only on the playing field, but in their every day lives. Coaches are teachers ~ leaders by example to young students to be the best that they can be, but helping them realize that reality will present ups and downs which only make them stronger in how they are perceived. One such coach is Hall of Fame Coach Pat Summit. In the Division 1, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers Basketball coach, she has been a marvel with her final record which "stands at 1,098-208, 16 regular-season Southeastern Conference championships and 16 SEC tournament titles — the last won a month ago." She surpassed Bobby Knight's record. She is the leader that both men and women coaches look up to and admire. Her standards were exemplary ~ an extraordinary woman. Coach Summit announced her retirement last week after 38 ye Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:29:24 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/an_american_coach/10659260 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/an_american_coach/10659260 An American Coach http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/an_american_coach/10659260 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png There are thousands of coaches for all types of sports across America. Each with a goal for their team to be victorious; but, hopefully instilling values and morals along the way to their team members - not only on the playing field, but in their every day lives. Coaches are teachers ~ leaders by example to young students to be the best that they can be, but helping them realize that reality will present ups and downs which only make them stronger in how they are perceived. One such coach is Hall of Fame Coach Pat Summit. In the Division 1, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers Basketball coach, she has been a marvel with her final record which "stands at 1,098-208, 16 regular-season Southeastern Conference championships and 16 SEC tournament titles — the last won a month ago." She surpassed Bobby Knight's record. She is the leader that both men and women coaches look up to and admire. Her standards were exemplary ~ an extraordinary woman. Coach Summit announced her retirement last week after 38 y Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:33:43 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/an_american_coach/10638472 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/an_american_coach/10638472 An American Coach http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/notefromelichapsblog/article/an_american_coach/10638472 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png