SPORTS
STORM CENTER: Lovable losers no more
It has taken more than 100 years, but suffice to say the Chicago Cubs are a major league baseball powerhouse.
The Cubs have had their moments during the past several generations: The trip to the World Series in 1945, the group that reached the NLCS twice during the 1980s, and the Bartman year of 2003.
The Cubs, thanks to their fan base, have always been adorned “the lovable losers.”
That moniker also could be affixed to several other baseball clubs – including the Cubs’ World Series opponent – the Cleveland Indians.
It could also be given to the Texas Rangers. Sorry, but it’s true.
The Rangers have never won a World Series, and that includes years when the team was known as the Washington Senators.
The same could be said for the Houston Astros, who also have never claimed baseball’s biggest prize. Houston began in the early-1960s as the Colt 45’s.
For whatever reason, the state of Texas has produced top-level baseball talent – yet our state’s pro franchises have never been able to garner the World Series.
Buddy Cody O’Neal and I talked about that on Thursday evening, and we both found it to be a little coincidental, maybe even ironic, the two winning pitchers in the first two Series games are Texans.
Corey Kluber was the winner in Game One. Kluber hails from Coppell, and many St. Louis Cardinals fans remember the deal that sent him to Ohio.
Kluber was drafted by the San Diego Padres, and then dealt as part of a three-team deal involving the Indians and Cardinals.
Jake Westbrook, a pitcher, was the centerpiece of a deal that saw him traded to St. Louis and outfielder Ryan Ludwick was shipped to San Diego.
The Padres also sent Nick Greenwood to St. Louis, and the Indians paid $2.7 million of Westbrook’s remaining salary.
Kluber was seen as a throw-in back then, and he was assigned to the Indians’ Double-A affiliate the Akron (Ohio) Aeros. Well, he’s certainly no throw-in right now.
In game two, Jake Arrieta was the winning pitcher. Arrieta starred in the region for Plano East High School.
The Cincinnati Reds selected Arrieta in the 31st round of the 2004 Major League Baseball entry draft; however, he decided to attend college. Read more in the Oct. 29 Bowie News.
Editor’s Note: The Storm Center column is the expressed written views of sports editor Eric Viccaro and not The Bowie News.
Jake Arrieta won the second game of the World Series. Arrieta is a regional product from Plano who pitched for Weatherford College. (Courtesy photo)
In its first match since last year’s state semifinal appearance, Saint Jo hosted Bryson Aug. 11 and took a 25-13, 25-12, 25-21 win over the Cowgirls.
The Lady Panthers lost some talent to graduation but have five seniors ready to have a successful season. Savannah Hil, one of the five, got Saint Jo rolling offensively with a four-point serving string, including a pair of aces. Abby Carter’s kill and Kamron Skidmore’s block helped put the Lady Panthers up 5-2 in game one.
Hadleigh Moore added a four-point string of her own to extend the lead to 10-3. Tatum Morman’s pair, helped by a Hill kill, gave Saint Jo a 14-5 lead. Bryson got within five before a Hill 3-pointer, with help by a Carter kill, put the lead back at 18-10.
After an Olivia Johnson kill broke serve, Jordyn O’Neal served up the final five points, with Johnson providing a kill to move things along.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
Despite being the smallest school in the Brock varsity classic volleyball tournament, the Lady Indians finished 4th out of the eight teams there.
After losing to the host team in its first pool play match Aug. 14 18-25, 14-25 and also to Class 3A Wall 12-25, 8-25, Nocona rebounded to close out pool play with a 20-25, 25-23, 25-20 win over Christoval. Sy Parker had 16 kills and 7 blocks in the three matches. Raylea Bowles had 12 kills, 17 digs and served up three aces. Maddyn Bowles had seven kills and 14 digs while Paige Davis had seven kills and 15 digs. Baylee Thomas added 11 digs.
From the setter spot, Kasi Castro had 20 assists, served up five aces and contributed 14 digs. Leah Meekins added 18 assists and six digs during the three matches.
To open Saturday’s bracket play, the Lady Indians posted a 25-18, 18-25, 26-24, 25-19 win over Fort Worth Christian. Castro staked Nocona to a 2-0 lead in game one. Kills by Parker set up pairs of points from Raylea Bowles and Leah Meekins helped Nocona negate an early deficit and take a 10-9 lead.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
County football teams had their first scrimmage of the season Aug. 14 with mixed results.
Forestburg hosted Azle Christian and Victory Christian. Under a new system with new head coach Cori Hayes, the Longhorns looked pretty good in the coach’s eye.
“The first team looked good,” Hayes explained. “Overall we need to work on our pace and blocking assignments and blocking assignments. Overall we looked good for the new regime.”
Forestburg hits the road to scrimmage Newcastle Aug. 21.
For further details, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Bowie News.
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