2024 World Series - 30 -

2024 World Series - 30 - 

The 2024 World Series came to a close on Wednesday night with the Dodgers defeating the Yankees in five games. 

As a Yankees fan, it was a disappointing ending. While some people might say getting to the World Series makes it a terrific season, winning it all is the ultimate goal and that did not happen. 

Congrats to the Dodgers. They were the better team. 

Happy for the local kid, Ben Casparius, 2017 Staples graduate, who gets a championship. 

Like every team, there were ups and downs for the Yankees, they started strong, struggled during the middle of the season, and they found it again late in the regular season. 

Even in their division series win over the Royals and championship series win over the Guardians, it felt like the Yankees were not playing great baseball. They found a way to win those games, but you knew if they played the Dodgers, they would have to play better than they had previously. 

And they did play the Dodgers. And they didn't play that much better. 

That's not to take away what LA did. As I said, they were the better team and deserved to win. Their lineup is relentless and their pitching, which was suspect coming in, did enough. 

If you think about the Dodgers lineup, with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman at the top and then guys like Kike Hernandez and Teoscar Hernandez to Tommy Edman and others. Just so relentless. 

Honestly, people will say the Yankees will be back. But every year is different, and it is so difficult to just make, yet alone win., the World Series. 

Now the questions begin. The biggest one being will Juan Soto be back, or was he just a one-year rental? Gleyber Torres is also a free agent. 

The Yankees have already announced that Aaron Boone will be back as manager. I'm sure that doesn't make a lot of fans happy. 

Sure, has Boone made some questionable decisions, yes. But fans will question decisions made no matter who is the manager, especially if it doesn't work. 

I hate when baseball season ends. Sure, we have football, basketball and hockey, but my number one sport will always be baseball. Plus, it gives us games basically ever night. I love that it's a marathon, not a sprint. 

It's been fun, but obviously could have been special. 

Only 103 days and counting until Pitchers and Catchers report for the 2025 season! 

Respect for Exit 55

Rob's Blog Profile Photo

Streaks of doing something in a row are super impressive. 

Whether that be in sports, like Lou Gehrig or Cal Ripken, or anything in life. 

Like writing. 

My friend, Rob Adams, announced earlier today on his blog, "Exit 55", that his consecutive days streak of blog posts will come to an end tomorrow. Today is the last day of the streak. 

Since December 30, 2018, Rob has written a blog post every day. 

2,129 consecutive posts. 

Just incredible. 

Another friend, John Nash, challenged Rob late in 2018 to "Project 365", which meant writing one post every day for a year. Rob did that and so much more. 

Some might say, it's just writing, how hard is it? Oh, it's a lot harder than it looks. Believe me. 

To have the time, energy, and creativeness to come up with topics just shows incredible dedication. 

It's also about having a device with you to do it and having internet access everywhere you go. 

Yes, it's possible to write on a phone, but much simpler to write on a laptop or computer. 

And so much more that goes into it. 

It's not about the number of readers, and sometimes people write for themselves, but you also want to write something interesting, in some way. 

It's not my story to tell, and Rob wrote a lot of it on his blog, but everything that has gone on since Rob started the streak, both personally for Rob, and in the world, just makes the streak even more impressive. 

He's written about so many important topics. Some posts are more serious, some more light-hearted. And many different topics. Sports, both local and professional, family, music, broadcasting, and so much more. 

That is what makes his blog even better, how diverse it can be. 

As Rob says, he will continue to blog, and I hope he does a lot. I always look forward to his posts. However, now there is no pressure, and he can write when he wants about what he wants. 

If I write more, I am just rambling. 

I just wanted to give the respect to Rob, "Exit 55", and the streak that it deserves. And I likely didn't give it the justice it deserves. 

He's not only a tremendous broadcaster, but a terrific writer as well. Most importantly, an amazing, loyal friend and person. 

I'll leave you with this. Make the Exit 55 Blog part of your reading. 

Well done, Rob. Well done, my friend. 

Enjoy the well-deserved break. 

Volleyball Friday, Football Saturday and Supporting Important Causes

Ludlowe/Warde girls' volleyball FCIAC quarterfinal action

It's pretty clear what games I was at this weekend, based on the title of this blog post. 

On Friday, Ludlowe and Warde faced off in the FCIAC girls' volleyball quarterfinals.

The two teams met in the regular season on October 5, with Warde coming out victorious in a five-set match at Fairfield University. 

Friday's match was held at Ludlowe as the Falcons were the No. 4 seed, hosting the fifth seeded Mustangs. 

For the second time this season, Warde came out with the victory. This time, it was a three-set sweep. 

All three sets were close, however. 

Warde came away with set victories of 26-24, 25-23, 25-22 to sweep the match. 

The Mustangs advance to the FCIAC semifinals on Monday where they will face the top seed Greenwich at 5pm at Stamford High School. 

Ludlowe will look towards the state tournament. 

It's always exciting and interesting when the two schools meet in the postseason, whether that be the league tournament or state tournament. 

*****

On Saturday, Ludlowe hosted Darien in football in a much-hyped matchup. 

Darien took a 7-0 lead and did not look back on way to a 48-15 victory. 

The Blue Waye improve to 5-1, while Ludlowe falls to 4-2. 

Ludlowe's two scores came on a Justin Toothaker touchdown reception from Grant Stupak late in the first half and a Ryan Menozzi touchdown reception with 10:47 left. Ramzee Atta also hauled in a two-point conversion. 

It was also a pink-out Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the football game. Fans were encouraged to wear pink and the FLHS Athletic Department and The Nest, the student fan club, co-sponsored sales of T-Shirts. The net proceeds will go to the Norma Pfreim Breast Center for Breast Cancer research. 

The shirts were pink with white writing and a white Falcon. The writing said "No One Fights Alone" with the "O" in one being the breast cancer awareness ribbon. 

Below the Falcon it read, "-The Nest." 

Thank you to everyone who purchased a shirt. Students, faculty and staff, parents and just other fans at the game. 

Breast Cancer Awareness is important, and I am happy we do events to support. However, I wish more was done, both locally and globally, around other cancers and other causes in general. 

Other Cancers and causes have "months" where they get recognition, but not to the same degree. 

Please don't take this as I want to take anything away from Breast Cancer Awareness. That is not what I am saying. I just wish there was more support for the others. 

Overall, I would just to see more support for so many important causes. 

Ludlowe Football Topples Stamford Behind Team Effort; MADD Walk

Ludlowe's offense sets up to run a play during the game vs Stamford

I said last night, I might write about football today. 

Well, here I am. 

Ludlowe took the trip down to Stamford to face the Black Knights at historic Michael A. Boyle Stadium, better known as just Boyle Stadium. *

*Boyle Stadium was a Work Progress Administration (WPA) project that was built starting in 1935 and named for Boyle, who was a football coach and athletic director, in 1942. (Thanks to Rob Adams for the initial history lesson on this, plus further research.) 

I love this history in this. It's such great stadium to be in. And it's truly a stadium with the brick walls and the bench style seating. It's also got the press box above the stands on the visiting side. If I remember correctly, it used to be on the far (home) side. 

It also always has a big-game feel, as many FCIAC Championships and other playoff and other big games are often played there. 

Now, to the game. 

The Falcons came away with a 26-0 victory. It was a team effort in all facets of the game. 

Despite the score, the game was scoreless through one quarter. 

In the second quarter, Ryan Tompkins had a touchdown run and Ryan Menozzi had a touchdown reception and Ludlowe led 13-0 at halftime. 

In the third quarter, Stupak found Justin Toothaker for the 26-yard score to put Ludlowe on top 19-0 with 8:30 left in the quarter. Toothaker also had a third quarter interception, defensively. 

In the fourth quarter, the scoring was capped when Stupak connected with Menozzi again for a 26-yard score. 

While not in the scoring column, Timmy O'Neil also had some big catches for the Falcons offensively. 

The Falcon defense was strong as a collective unit in pitching the shutout. 

The Falcons improve to 4-1 and will be back in action next Saturday as they host Darien, who was number five in the state in the Gametime CT poll coming into this week. 

The Blue Wave defeated St. Joe's 14-0 on Friday night. They will likely move up in the poll before next week, as not only did they win, but No. 3 Staples and No. 1 Greenwich both lost this week. 

It will be an important game for the Falcons, as they look to keep piling up the wins in hopes of a playoff berth. 

Finally, I nice job by Stamford High School Athletics with their Pink-Out and Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The entire Stamford stands were decked out in pink and there were announcements made about t-shirt sales and other items for their fundraiser. 

******

Saturday night, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) held a "Walk Like MADD" event at Ludlowe's Taft Field. 

You can read more about MADD here. 

It was nice to see a large number of Ludlowe students, including many students' athletes, in attendance at the walk. I'm sure there were others, but I noted members of the girls' and boys' lacrosse teams, the dance team, and the baseball team among others. 

So many people have been impacted by drunk driving, and it has impacted the Ludlowe community over the years. 

I wasn't totally sure what to expect, but I figured I would go by and check it out and support. I always have this thought that these events are going to be larger scale than they end up being. That's not to say it wasn't done well, because it was. 

There are so many important causes and charities to support. Everyone has reasons for why they support one or another. It's impossible to support them all. 

For example, I know there was also an Alzheimer's walk in Fairfield at Sacred Heart University on Saturday morning. 

Back to this MADD event. Nice work by Tim Morris of Ludlowe and everyone else who was involved in putting the event together and running it. 

It seems like an ongoing theme of my blogs, especially recently, have been support. 

Well, it was another day of supporting people, in different ways. 

Participants in the MADD Walk 

Supporting The Seniors

Ludlowe boys' soccer seniors 2024

I often write about days of game. Often weekends of multiple games. 

I don't often write about actual work, because there's a lot I cannot say, plus, who really cares about my workday. 

Then again, many people who read this may not care about the games I write about. I hope some people do. 

I am burying the lead. 

Friday was a busy day at Ludlowe (and Warde, although I was at Ludlowe but could have very well went to Warde for games). 

It was senior day/night for not one, not two, but three teams. 

Girls' volleyball, field hockey and boys' soccer. 

It was also a successful day as all three teams came away with victories. 

Girls' volleyball defeated Wilton in straight sets. 

Field hockey took down St. Joe's 7-0. Lily McClay had three goals, Catie Leddy two and Ava Cagnassola and Ellery Walker each had a goal. 

Boys' soccer defeated Bridgeport Central 2-0. Charlie Jones two goals. Cooper Sicre with a goal. Will Bostrom and Chase McCormack combine on a shutout in goal. 

I watched parts of the first two, as I went back and forth as they overlapped. 

I then watched all of boys' soccer. 

I know I am not supposed to play favorites with teams or athletes, but....

(Please note, this blog, or my personal social media, have no affiliation the schools or my job)

The boys' soccer group is a tremendous group of kids. It's one of those groups that I've gotten to know well. First and foremost, because of the basketball and baseball players who are on the team. Also, just being in the school and then going to all the games, I have gotten to know others. 

A couple thoughts on senior days/nights. 

- It should be the last home game. With a few exceptions like if that last game is the rivalry game or something like that. 

-It's a quick recognition of the seniors. Do more at the banquet. 

Again, these are my thoughts, and I know people have a reason for the ways things are done. 

Onto football tomorrow. 

Maybe I will write about that. Or I won't. 

We will see. 

Twitter vs Instagram

Everyone knows that I am on social media a lot. 

Specifically, Twitter (X), Instagram and Facebook. 

Staples High School baseball coach Jack McFarland even jokes that I invented Twitter. 

I use my personal accounts, as well as accounts for groups that I am involved with. 

A lot of what I post on my personal social media is high school sports related. 

For years, I have posted score updates on Twitter. Yes, I am still calling it that. 

Well, recently, in addition to Tweeting score updates, I have started posting score updates on my Instagram story 

I feel that this reaches a different, or at least a broader audience. It reaches the younger people, as well as parents who are on Instagram. 

Sometimes, I will just share my Tweet to my Instagram story, other times I will share a photo of the scoreboard, or a photo of the game and I will type the score on the photo/story. 

Often, I will just put the score, but sometimes, when I can, I will give who scored, or other statistics. I want to try to do better with that as it gives the athletes direct recognition. 

After a day of posting a lot of updates on Instagram recently, I put up a poll to see if I should continue. The response was a resounding, yes. 

I don't want to be annoying with it. So, I wanted to see what the reception was. 

Twitter has changed, and even before the change, I'd hear people say they were looking for score updates but were not on Twitter. For a long time, Twitter was the go-to spot to get local score updates. Now, it seems like there are fewer and fewer updates on Twitter. 

I'll keep posting on both, until told otherwise. 

It's also a way to be different and stand out from others. 

In terms of Facebook, sometimes I will post final scores, but more likely, people will get it from the blogs I post. Years ago, I would post in-game updates or at least final score updates on Facebook often. I remember posting in-game updates while watching the Little League World Series on TV years ago when Fairfield American was involved. Yeah, that may have been a little overboard on my end. 

Different ways to use the different platforms (or mediums). 

It some ways, it's about promoting ourselves and our "brand." More importantly, once again, it's about promoting the teams and athletes. 

Shameless related plug: Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @ShawnSailer for updates. 

Captured By.....

The media landscape is changing. It has been for many years now. 

That is not to mean that traditional media (print, radio, etc.) is dead. Traditional media is more than alive and thriving.

That said, there are a lot of new waves of media and people getting involved. 

I could write about student broadcasting and journalism (writing/reporting), but not this time. 

One big thing is student photography/videography and graphic design.  

This is not to take away those who are professionals and have been in the field for years and do it for a living 

Students are being entrepreneurs. They are taking photos and sharing them on social media, and sometimes, selling them. 

Additionally, some students are creating graphics for games (gameday, final score and others) for teams to use on their social media pages. 

This is a way to use their talents, promote themselves, and create a "small business." 

It's very easy to do this, if you have the skills and equipment. 

These kids are creating Instagram accounts such as "captured by" and then their name, or some variation or similar words. 

There are good things about this, and there can be issues with this.  

It's about doing it correctly. 

Schools and groups can have certain rules and procedures that these members need to adhere to. 

It's up to the host location/school what they want to allow and how they want to allow and enforce the rules. 

Overall, if it's done correctly, students can help themselves in starting a career and provide content for their fellow students and their families who are involved in the game or activity that is being covered. 

It could be a win-win for everyone. 

If done right. 

Coaches Day

This comes from a soccer site, but applies to all sports coaches

I know I've written about this in past years, but when I work in sports, coach sports, and the fact that my life revolves around sports, I think this is important to write about. 

October 6 is National Coaches Day. 

It's a day to recognize the great work coaches do for athletes. 

According to NationalDayCalendar.com National Coaches Day on October 6 honors the men and women who inspire us to work harder and do our best.

I am, of course, going to take this from a local (primarily high school) perspective. This can, however, be taken from a professional perspective as well.  

Personally, I have been coached by many playing youth sports, worked with coaches when I was a student manager, worked with coaches in my job, and am a coach for baseball. 

I think this gives me a great perspective on what coaches really do. 

It's not just about the game plan and teaching the sport. 

A coach should inspire, motivate and be a role model for their athletes. 

It's about being there for the men and women. Both on the field and off. 

If the athletes are down, talk to them. Find out what is wrong. Is it just their sport struggles, or is there something more going on? 

Be there to support them through whatever issues. Sport, school, or personal life. 

Help out however you can. Even if that's just talking or being there for them. 

I feel as a coach and huge supporter of the student-athletes, that is a strength of mine. I care about the student-athletes. Sometimes too much (this could be another blog post entirely, and it might be). 

Support them and cheer them on during good times as well. 

In terms of actually coaching, it is a coach's job to put the team they feel gives them the best chance to win out there. That doesn't mean they ignore those who aren't starting or playing. Everyone has a role. If fact, sometimes, it's more important to pay attention to those who aren't in the game. Make sure they stay focused on the game and support their team. 

Every member of a coaching staff needs to know their role. The head coach is in charge. It's his or her job to delegate or not delegate duties. The head coach should make sure their assistants know what they should be doing during practices and games. It's also the job of the assistant not to overstep the head coach. 

Every coach, if they are doing it for the correct reason, is in coaching for the student-athletes. The best coaches are the ones who you don't hear from and don't make it about themselves. 

Thank you to all the coaches who do so much for their students-athletes. The appreciation isn't often show, but it is there. 

Three Sport Saturday

Warde and Ludlowe volleyball action

It was another fun Saturday of local sports. Three games, three different sports, three different locations. 

The results were a mixed bag. 

First up, was Ludlowe boys soccer hosting Stamford. 

The Falcons had a three 3-0 lead into the second half thanks to a hat trick from Charlie Jones. 

Stamford came back with three late goals to tie the game, and the two teams would end in a three all tie. 

I actually left with like 20 minutes or so (maybe a little more) to go in the game with Ludlowe up 3-0. That being said #BlameShawn. Part of this was due to Stamford arriving late due to traffic and therefore the game starting late. 

I left to get over to Fairfield University where Warde and Ludlowe girls' volleyball were playing at the Leo D. Mahoney Arena. 

It was a terrific volleyball match, with Warde winning in five sets. Lots of great rallies and plays by both teams. 

Warde took the first set, 25-22. 

The second set went in Ludlowe's favor, 25-19. 

Just like the first set, Warde came up to take the third, 25-22. 

Ludlowe tied up the match with a 25-19 score in set 4. 

I am sensing a theme here. Or consistency. 

In the fifth and decisive set, Warde took it 15-11. 

Warde sophomore Laila Henry recorded the 1,000th assist of her career in the third set. After she got the assist, Warde head coach Matt Narwold called a timeout to give Henry the recognition. A sign was brought out and it was announced over the PA. 

I love when records are kept and when the accomplishments are recognized. I always say this, but I wish more of it was done across all sports at all schools.  

While it was great to play the game at a venue like the Mahoney Arena, I wish more people came out to support. That is one issue with playing in a bigger venue, versus playing in a high school gym. However, a gym like Warde is much bigger than a gym like Ludlowe. 

That said, it's still cool to play in a college arena. I was impressed that the scoreboard was in use, and there was a public address announcer. This is what all games should have, no matter then venue. I just wasn't sure what Fairfield University would provide or let the teams have access to. 

Great job by everyone who was involved in putting the day and event together. Another great Ludlowe/Warde game and event for the town. 

Congrats to Matt Narwold and the Warde volleyball team on the victory. 

Matt is a great coach and an even better person. Someone I've known in various capacities since he was my camp counselor many years ago. Always happy to root for his success. (Always love watching his intensity as he coaches). 

Finally, it was off to New Canaan as the Rams hosted Ludlowe in football. 

New Canaan, a perennial power in the league and state, came into the game with a 2-1 record. Ludlowe came in with a record of 3-0. With no disrespect to their previous opponents, a lot of people (including those in the media) were talking about this being the first real big test for the Falcons. 

In the end, New Canaan came away with a 30-14 victory. While it's still a loss, Ludlowe hung tough and did a lot of positive things. 

Liam Bond had two touchdown runs for the Falcons. Defensively, Cooper Seek had a big game, with an interception, multiple sacks and tackles for losses. Seek was all over the field making plays for the Ludlowe defense to keep them in the game. 

It was a long, somewhat crazy day. But always fun to get out and watch games and support the athletes, coaches and teams (this seems like a theme. Maybe a separate blog post here soon). 

A new week of games awaits. 

New York Home Runs

Photo Credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Sports fans love to debate and love lists (which they can debate) 

After Pete Alonso's game-winning home run on Thursday night in the third and decisive game of the NL Wild Card round for the Mets against the Brewers, there is a new discussion today. 

Biggest/best game-winning home runs in New York History. 

Don LaGreca of ESPN Radio and The Michael Kay Show, gave his top five on the show. 

The Daily @DonLagreca Top 5 Greatest GW HRs in NY history

1. Bobby Thomson Shot Heard Round the World
2. Alonso yesterday
3. Boone 2003 ALCS Game 7
4. Chambliss 1976 ALCS
5. Pratt 1999 NLDS

Thoughts? Who ya takin' out?

— The Michael Kay Show (@TMKSESPN) October 4, 2024

Number 1 - Agreed. I mean, it's called "The Shot Heard Round the World" for a reason. It was a walk-off to the Giants the pennant. 

Number 2 - No. Should be lower. It won them the wild card round and was a go-ahead game winner, but not a walk-off (granted, that's because they were the road team). 

Number 3 - Should probably be number two. It not only sent the Yankees to the World Series, but it came in extra innings to the rival Red Sox. The Yankees, however, would fall to the Florida Marlins in the Fall Classic. 

Number 4 - Just like number three, it sent the Yankees to the World Series. This one should be higher on the list too. Just like 2003 though, the Yankees did not go on to win the World Series, as they were swept by the Cincinatti Reds and The Big Red Machine. You could debate this and Boone as number two or three, in my opinion. Both in the LCS and both years the Yankees went on to lose in the World Series. 

Number 5 - Is this really memorable? Not in my mind. Yes, it was in the playoffs but still would not have it in the top five. 

Okay, now what is missing, in my opinion? 

- Scott Brosius in the 1998 World Series against the Padres. Specifically, the go-ahead home run in game three off of Trevor Hoffman. 

- Brosius again in 2001 against the Diamondbacks to tie game five. 

- Tino Martinez the night before Brosius to tie game four. 

- Let's move to later the night after Tino's home run. Well, really, it was the next morning. Later in game four, Derek Jeter became Mr. November with his walk-off in game four in 2001. 

Let's stay in 2001 but go back a few weeks and head from the Bronx to Queens. 

September 21, 2001. Ten days after the September 11 attacks when Mike Piazza homered off Steve Karsay to give the Mets a 3-2 lead over the Braves in the eighth inning in the first game back in New York. I know this wasn't postseason, but it was so much more than sports. 

Those are my thoughts on Don's list and others I think of when I think about New York home runs. I am sure I am forgetting others too. 

Thoughts? 

Everyone can have their own opinion. Debating makes sports fun. 

******

Side note, and I know this is a very unpopular opinion. I don't think Howie Rose's call of the home run on the radio was a very good call. He yells and talks to much. 

Lay out and let it breath. Let the listener head the crowd noise. 

Now, I will say, I thought all the description that Rose gave was great for a radio call. 

When I think of Rose's calls, the two that automatically come to mind are Stefane Matteau for the New York Rangers against the Devils in the 1994 playoffs and the aforementioned Piazza post-9/11 home run for the Mets against the Braves. 

In the Matteau call, it's a lot of screaming. On the Piazza home run call, he lays out more and lets the listener hear the crowd noise before talking again. 

I love the excitement in the Matteau call, but sometimes, it can be too much.  

With Piazza, Rose knew the moment and knew what it meant to the fans, and everyone in New York and wanted to let those listening hear it. 

***********

I love talking sports, especially baseball, and sports and baseball broadcasting as well. 

Looking forward to watching what the Mets and Yankees do in the playoffs. 

Subway Series? Maybe. People are already talking. 

For now, game ones in the ALDS and NLDS on Saturday.