Where are they now? Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez

July 7, 2013April 9, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / 5 Comments

Benny Rodriguez still has a major role in the game he loves

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”. These were the words that Benjamin Rodriguez lived by growing up. A simple yet powerful phrase that constantly reminded him that he could always be better.

Growing up in the San Fernando valley just outside of Los Angeles, Rodriguez didn’t play but lived the game baseball. With a Dodgers cap atop his head Rodriguez spent as much time as he could on the diamond. From sun up to sun down, if you wanted to find Benny just go to the ball field. His longtime friend Scott Smalls described Rodriguez’s obsession in an interview saying “Benny would have played ball day, night, rain, shine, tidal wave, whatever. Baseball was the only thing he cared about”.

After finishing high school as one of the top prospects in the nation, Rodriguez was drafted by his favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the second round. It didn’t take long for Rodriguez to impress to Dodgers brass. Tommy Lasorda recalls the first time he saw Rodriguez on the field. “We were playing a inter-squad game in Vero Beach that spring and I remember Rodriguez lacing a single and then preceding to steal second and third. Then I saw the lead he was getting off of third and thought there’s no way he’s crazy enough to steal home. When he swiped home I just looked at my staff and their mouths were on the floor. After that day I knew we had a star in the making”.

By the age of 20, Rodriguez was hitting leadoff for the Dodgers and leaving his mark on baseball history. When he was 22, Rodriguez earned his nickname, Benny the Jet, by setting the Major League record for stealing home in a season. That year Rodriguez swiped home a record seven times, while hitting .355, and stealing a total of 71 bases. With Rodriguez’s unique 5 tool set, he helped the Dodgers win two World Series Championships, became a three-time MVP, and 11 time all-star. Sadly, “The Jet” was grounded before he reached pinnacle.

In pursuit of Ty Cobb’s infamous 54 home steals, Rodriguez was just two away from tying the record when he tried for number 53. This time as he slid toward home plate his right knee would connect with the catchers shin guard, his knee buckled. From that day forward Rodriguez never made a full recovery and never stole home again. Being only 31 at the time, it was only a matter of time until Rodriguez would have broken Cobb’s record.

Despite the injury Rodriguez would play for three more seasons. With his range crippled, the Dodgers moved him to first base where for two seasons he belted 45 home runs and hit for a .300 average. Despite this, the declining Rodriguez seemed destined to be moved to the American League to be the DH for the remainder of his career. However, Rodriguez wanting to only play for the Dodgers and realizing how far his skills had declined abruptly retired at 34. When he retired he had 1,301 stolen bases, 52 of which were home,with a career batting average of .317, and 396 home runs.

Retirement was tough on Rodriguez because for the first time in his life he wasn’t playing. “At first I just couldn’t handle it. I was in a dark place for a while without baseball. I tried to separate my self from the game, but I was depressed. Heck, Smalls even tried to get me in the booth, but that just wasn’t for me”.

After years of internal turmoil, baseball brought Benny back. After being given the manager’s job for the Las Vegas 51s, the Dodgers former Triple A team, Rodriguez realized that he had found what he was supposed to do. “I realized that I could make a difference in young players lives and loved the challenge”. Now the hitting coach with the Dodgers Rodriguez’s latest triumph is the Dodger’s latest phenom, Yasiel Puig. “It’s easy working with him, I’ve never seen a player with so much talent and a love for the game. It’s easy to work with someone who loves the game so much, and he reminds me of myself when I was playing”. When asked about the possibility of leaving for a managerial job Rodriguez replied “I’d never leave this organization. I was born a Dodger, I’ll die a Dodger”.

Benny the Jet will always have his place in Dodger history and in Cooperstown. One thing is for certain, this is one legend that will never die.

Can I get some help?? Tom Brady needs weapons

June 26, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

In the aftermath of the Hernandez situation Brady is lacking playmakers

In a matter of weeks Tom Brady has gone from master and commander of an elite offense, to a general without an army. After tight end Aaron Hernandez was released by the club on Wednesday in the wake of Hernandez’s arrest, Brady is left with a decimated offense. With Rob Gronkowski out for an unknown amount of time with his injury, and with Hernandez off the team, Tom terrific has lost both of his starting tight ends in a tight end heavy offense. To make matters worse, Wes Welker will be catching passes in Denver next season. Who’s left? Brandon Lloyd is still available but the Patriots have not made any indication that they will bring him back. Danny Amendola? To me this was an uncharacteristic signing for New England when they overpaid for an injury prone poor mans Wes Welker. Will Brady make him look good? Sure, will they regret not bringing Welker back? Absolutely. The rookies? While I love Aaron Dobson, he is still an unpolished receiver who would need to be eased into the NFL after playing at Marshall. Don’t get me wrong, he’s physically the best weapon the Patriots have at this point, but he is a very raw player. Josh Boyce could be another rookie that could help, but with a lingering toe injury he is way behind in understanding the Patriots complicated offensive attack. How about tight end? Jake Ballard is a solid receiver at tight end, but lacks the explosiveness that Hernandez and Gronk provided. To make matters worse there are slim pickings on the current free agent market. I can’t see the Patriots taking a chance on Terrell Owens or Braylon Edwards after the Randy Moss and Chad OchoCinco experiments both ended so well in Foxboro. While they could pick up a receiver, it wouldn’t be much of an improvement over the talent already on the roster. However, I think bringing in a guy like Dallas Clark, Kevin Boss, or Chris Cooley could be low risk high reward signing if the team decided to go in that direction. While they may be old veterans, they are good ball catcher how could thrive in New England’s system. Or, instead of going out to bring in players the Patriots may just adapt their scheme to running the ball more with LeGarrette Blount and Steven Ridley. Who knows maybe the prodigal son Tim Tebow will become the next ultimate weapon for the Patriots at tight end. Oh I can hear the Tim Tebow debates starting right about now. Whatever the Patriots decide to do, whether its run the ball more, use Tim Tebow as a weapon, or spread the field with additional receivers, it is clear that this team is hurting. This could be there year where another AFC East team finally dethrone the Pats as the division leader. One thing is for certain, it’s going to be a long training camp in New England

Connecticut hockey’s greatest jerseys

June 24, 2013September 22, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 2 Comments

Connecticut has a rich hockey history over the past one hundred years. Whether it’s professional, minor league, or college, Connecticut hockey has had it’s fair share of great hockey jerseys. Here are the best jerseys in Connecticut hockey history. But first lets start with the

Worst of the Worst: Bridgeport current alternates

Double trouble

It’s bad enough that the New York Islanders spawned these jerseys in the NHL. However, the Sound Tigers apparently didn’t get the memo and decided to ditch their awesome logo to instead just Sound Tigers script. Just for the simple reason that someone thought it was smart to repeat this abomination is why it deserves this place on the list.

10) New Haven Blades

A classic in New Haven history

This classic beauty belonged to the New Haven Blades over fifty years ago. The red, white, and blue color scheme, this jersey recreates the classic Montreal Canadians original six sweater. Add a classic New Haven script in cursive and you have a beautiful piece of hockey history. I know one thing this type of jersey may be old, but it would still look sharp on teams today.

9) Beast of New Haven

A unique logo and color scheme that proves beauty is in the eye of the beholder

While many people may see this as an ugly jersey, I believe it’s awesome. A cool and unique logo that hadn’t been tried before, a dark jersey highlighted with neon yellow and red, and cool claw shoulder logos. You also have to love the neon numbers which made it easy to find the players and combining both the Blue and white colors for both jerseys. Why Beast? It honors New Haven’s gothic architecture with a gargoyle mascot in front of the moon. Hey give them credit for going out on a limb to create a different looking jersey. This jersey did defiantly catch people’s eyes and whose boldness was a favorite of New Haven hockey fans.

8) New Haven Knights

Regal and intimidating

Nothing says intimidating like a black jersey. Spoiler alert there’s more to come. The Knights had a cool logo, but the question was could the colors of purple and gray be incorporated effectively. The answer is yes. These uniforms are beautiful and have the perfect amount of purple with gray accents that really make the jersey stick out. The black makes this jersey both intimidating and sophisticated. Add a great logo with a bold Knight clutching his stick and shield for battle, and you have a great combination. This is one jersey where everything comes together beautifully.

7) New Haven NightHawks (final years)

Patriotism and classic logo come together

Look at these beauties. No this isn’t a team USA jersey, it’s the final New Haven Night Hawks jerseys. The classic Night Hawk logo with clean lines and just the right amount of red and white really make this sweater pop. Hey patriotism and the Night Hawks sounds like a match made in heaven. Hey maybe team USA should borrow these. While these jerseys do inspire the american spirit of a classic New England, they still can’t beat the original…..

6) New Haven Night Hawks Originals

Welcome to the jungle

The pinnacle of New Haven hockey. Nothing says Night Hawks like black and grey. There was a reason the Coliseum was known as the jungle at this time. It was because of the rowdy fans and the home team sporting these bad boys. The Grey outlines really make the black Night Hawk pop on this sweater. Add in the sophistication of the original LA Kings jersey and you have a winner. Ask hockey fans in New Haven and this is without a doubt the most iconic sweater in the city’s history.

5) Yale Bulldogs

Talk about winning in style

When you win a national championship, you want to look good doing it. Sometimes less is more when you look at the Bulldogs sweaters. The double stripe piping on the socks, pants, elbows, and waist is a classic look that you see many teams trying to imitate now, I’m talking to you UCONN. The whiles and Navy with the Yale script on the front with the numbers with the simple “Y” on the shoulders shows that even though these jerseys may be simple, there is a certain element of pureness that you don’t see in hockey anymore. Yale, please never ever change your uniforms! They are already perfect don’t screw these up like many other schools who try to update their “looks”.

4) Connecticut Whale

Classic history with a twist of modern flare

Too bad these won’t be seen anymore. The former AHL team in Hartford, The Connecticut Whale had jerseys that meshed hockey history with modern design. For the purists you had the old Hartford Whalers colors with the Whale main sake. However, the jerseys add a modern “ocean” fringe along the bottom of the jersey with an updated logo that is both fun and different. Especially with the green jerseys, you could have mistaken this group as the original Whalers.

3) Quinnipiac Bobcats

Quinnipiac hockey makes a statement on the ice with some of the best jerseys in college hockey

For the Quinnipiac Bobcats, while they may be the new kids on the block, no other team has three amazing jerseys in their set. While the white, blue, and the new yellow jerseys are all awesome, I gotta go with these ones. When you watch Quinnipiac in their Yellow jerseys, they defiantly catch your eyes. Yellow is a hard color to pull off, but this shade along with the blue piping makes for an eye-catching and great looking sweater. Not only is the color great, but the Quinnipiac Bobcat logo with the “Quinnipiac” script and swiping Bobcat is a sick logo. If you look closely the head and arm of the bobcat create a Q, talk about a slick design. The running bobcats on the shoulders are just a bonus. The Quinnipiac program is just beginning its bright future and have an awesome pair of jerseys to help with the recruiting.

2 Bridgeport Sound Tigers Original

Why did they get rid of these???

Now these are sick. Black jersey, a fierce blue, and yellow highlights to make the whole thing pop. Throw in an aggressive blue tiger logo and you have the best minor league jersey in state history. Unfortunately for the Sound Tigers, like most other minor league teams, their jerseys are exactly the same as their pro counterparts. While the new jerseys aren’t that bad, the original was bold and gave the Sound Tigers their own unique identity. I don’t know about you, but I wish they would bring these back out of retirement.

1) The Hartford Whalers

Forget great Connecticut jersey, these are one of the greatest all time NHL jerseys

Can the Whalers come back just to get these jerseys back?

Was there any doubt? Forget Connecticut hockey, these are some of the greatest jerseys in NHL history. Let’s see the navy and white jerseys with the silver, green and white piping created a sophisticated look that popped and was easy on the eyes. Could anybody else combine Navy, silver, and green, in such a way. The colors balance each other out and there isn’t an overuse of one color. Oh there’s also one of the greatest logos in sports history. The Whale tail in Navy, the W in Green, and in the negative space between the two the silver forming the letter “H” for Hartford. I wish we could just have an NHL team back for the simple reason that the NHL needs classic jerseys like these again. And people wonder why Whalers jerseys are still so popular after the team left in 1997. Go Whalers! Do you guys agree? Any that I missed? Follow and comment to tell me about what you think.

Can anyone topple the NBA’s evil empire

June 22, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Can anyone knock the Heat off their throne

“This fall I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat”. When Lebron James uttered these words in front of a surprised nation, a new villain had been spawned. “The Big Three” of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh became the new villains of basketball. Much like the movie Star Wars, this evil empire is led by three NBA juggernauts who for the past three years have bullied the NBA’s best. In those three years the Heat have won two championships and have been in the finals every single year. Now the question is can anyone take down the empire? While it remains to be seen if Chris Bosh will return, there is no question that the Heat will be the favorites to three peat. The thing is that there aren’t many eminent threats to this evil empire’s reign. The Pacers and Bulls represent the biggest threats with their deep pools of talent. However, the Bulls will need Derrick Rose back and healthy if they want to beat Miami. If healthy I think that the Bulls could be the team that is the biggest threat in the East. That is if they can stay healthy. What about the Pacers? While the Pacers have a talented roster and a physical style of play that can exploit the Heats, I think Miami will do two things to prevent this. First I think they will not underestimate the Pacers again, and second I think that the Heat will add a physical big to help counter the physical in the paint style of the Pacers. The only other team that could compete with the Heat would be if the Celtics can reload their roster with young talent while removing the original big three of Garnett and Pierce. What about the West? While Kevin Durant’s Thunder pose the biggest threat it was apparent this postseason that he still needs help around him. The LA teams? The Lakers and Clippers are both messes right now, with the only exception being that the Clippers are a glorified highlight reel. The Spurs? Unfortunately I think this was the last hoorah for Parker and Duncan as father time becomes their biggest challenger. While there may not be an immediate end to the Heat’s reign, the one thing that all other NBA fans have is hope. They hope that their team, or some other team will rise from the NBA depths and overthrow the Heat’s empire for good.

Why Miami Heat fans are the worst

June 19, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 2 Comments

These are not true fans

After an epic comeback win to force a game seven, the Miami Heat’s victory the other night will go down in NBA history as one of the greatest finals games. Quick question though, if there’s no one around to witness it did it really happen? Unfortunately for the Heat, while they probably have the best talent on the court, they have the worst fans in basketball and probably in sports. When the Heat fell behind in the third quarter to the Spurs, there was a mass exodus of fans from the American Airlines Arena. Instead of waiting to see the end of a historic season, or giving the Heat the home crowd advantage to start a comeback, these fans thought it was more important to hit the clubs early or just go home. Oh I haven’t even gotten to the best part. While the Heat were crafting one of the greatest comebacks in finals history, lead by Lebron James incredible fourth quarter run, these fans had the audacity to come back and try to get back in. Then when they were denied readmission they resorted to profanity and juvenile behavior that was so absurd that the Miami police department was called in. How dare you! If I had it my way if you had game seven tickets I wouldn’t let you in the building! This once again portrays that Miami Heat fans are spoiled little brats that only care about this team when they’re winning. This Heat team has brought you a world title, an incredible winning streak during the season, and is in the NBA finals for the third straight year. How can you be so ungrateful? Why does this anger other fans? Most NBA fans would go crazy if there team was just in the NBA finals and would do anything to give their team a home court advantage. But Heat fans? They are not true sports fans who instead decide to take the easy way out when their team is struggling. Someone should tell these fans it ain’t over till it’s over. For real sports fans we stick with our team through thick and thin. Times may be tough right now, but we find the silver lining and now that their could be a bright future for our teams just over the horizon. But here in the present despite dominating the past three years, and having a chance for a comeback, that these fans refused to support a team that other fans would be dying to have. The Heat may win another championship for this city and while the players deserve it, this horrendous fan base doesn’t.

Why Michael Jordan’s legacy is already greater than Lebron James

June 17, 2013June 17, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

Throughout these NBA Finals I’ve been getting sick of the constant Lebron James and Michael Jordan debates about who will have the better legacy. While Lebron still has many more chapters to write for his legacy, the Jordan legacy is one of if not the greatest athletic legacy of all time. While these analysts will throw out statistics and try to analytically compare these two icons, Jordan’s legacy goes beyond the basketball court. While this debate will probably never end here are five reasons why Michael Jordan’s legacy is greater than Lebron James will be.

5) College glory

Unlike Lebron, Jordan has a National Championship on his legacy

This one is a quick and one-sided debate. Since Lebron James never attended college he never had the chance to leave a legacy on college basketball. However, Jordan did. As a freshman, he made the winning shot against Georgetown to win the National Championship in 1982. With Jordan, the Tar Heels helped to build one of the best programs in college basketball which continues today. While Lebron supporters will say that it is more impressive to go from high school to the NBA, Jordan had one of the greatest college basketball careers and has added bonus points to his resume. Only a handful of players have made such an impact in both the NCAA and the NBA, and Jordan is one of them.

4) Hometown Hero

“The Decision” will always be a negative aspect of James’ career

Why is Lebron James hated so much? Well when you embarrass your hometown on national television people will tend to think you’re a jerk. “The Decision” which aired on June 8, 2o10 on ESPN is one decision that Lebron James wishes he could change. Not necessarily joining the Heat, but how he handled the whole situation. Instead of just having it announced like any other athlete, he decided to torture the Cleveland faithful even more by giving them just a glimmer of hope that he’d return only to take it away in an instant. Also it doesn’t help when you say that you made the decision that morning. Doesn’t look like you put that much effort into it. Personally I don’t think that going to the Heat instead of playing Cleveland should hurt Lebron’s legacy. However, Jordan did stay with one team and did win for the hometown team instead of leaving. For me though I think just how he handled the decision and turn it into a publicity stunt will hurt his legacy more in the long-run then actually leaving Cleveland.

3) Jordan’s impressive 6-0

Jordan’s perfect tile record is one thing James will never be able to accomplish

If Michael Jordan was a movie he’d be known as The Lord of the Rings. While he may not have the most rings, there is no question that his perfect NBA title record is unmatched. While you could possibly beat Jordan any other time of the year, when the lights where brightest and it was the final minute of the season, you had no chance. Jordan was clutch, and being able to go to six championships and win six rings in an amazing accomplishment. Heck if Jordan didn’t take off to play baseball he could have probably added another ring or two to his trophy case. Unfortunately for James, his 1 for 3 NBA finals record makes this is an easy win for Jordan. Even if James can pull out a title this season he’ll only would have won 50% of his NBA title shots. Sorry Lebron, Jordan’s got you beat here.

2) His Royal Airness

Jordan is just as big of a winner off the court as on the court.

Jordans. Just saying that jars up the jump man image on the side of a sweet pair of sneakers. The “Air Jordan” brand has become a world-wide icon and cements Micheal Jordan as the most marketable athlete in history. James doesn’t have his own brand and will probably never come close to establishing a brand like Jordan has. Beyond the Jordan brand, while James will probably make more money off of endorsements then Jordan, his airness did create the market for modern-day stars. Jordan was a trailblazer for sports marketing and has allowed for athletes to get the endorsements they do to this day. Jordan’s impact is incredible when you realize how he’s become integrated into modern-day culture. Even today he is still a marketing juggernaut even after stepping off the hardwood more than a decade ago. Think about it Jordans, McDonald’s, Hanes, Gatorade, Coca Cola, Ball Park Franks, Wheaties and Chevrolet. Chances are you still have a favorite MJ commercial you remember and that you’ve seen all of his commercials from these brands. As for James, his only commercials are with Nike and his most memorable one is when he had this pity party commercial because people now looked at him as the villain. Sorry James MJ wins with impact, volume, variety, and doesn’t whine when it comes to his commercials. Also the man played with Bug Bunny in Space Jam! Seriously every kid I know has seen that movie. Have you played basketball with a world-famous cartoon character? Nope didn’t think so Lebron. Click here for a trip down memory lane.

1 ) Coming through in the clutch

Now one was a better closer then 23

Game 7, clock about to expire, your team needs a basket who do you give the ball to? I’m betting that if you could choose any player to take the winning shot, it would be Jordan. This basket at the end of the 99 Finals is one of those moments when Jordan came through in the clutch. In the face of adversity Jordan always seemed to come up big. Whether it was game winning shots, dunks, or being able to overcome the flu (click here), Jordan’s career was filled with coming through in the biggest moments. James, on the other hand, has come up short in big spots. Sure he had the game winner against the Pacers this year, but other than the game winner in Cleveland a few years ago what has he done? Not only has Jordan created more clutch moments but, but he’s done it on the biggest stage in the finals. Has Lebron made any memorable plays in the finals? Jordan has, heck you could have a highlight show of all his memorable moments in the finals. In the end there is no question that when you want a game winning basket, you’re giving the rock to Jordan.

While I still find it difficult to pick between these two players, they’re both very different players in very different eras, in the end of the Jordan versus James debate it is clear that Jordan is the clear winner. Sure Lebron could break his scoring records and even title wins, but at the end of the day no player had a greater impact on the game of basketball then Michael Jordan. While statistically both these men are very close, and you could argue Lebron is superior, when you combine all of the other factors MJ is the clear victor. No athlete has had such an impact both on and off the court as Jordan has. While Lebron may truly end up being the king, there is no question that Jordan will always be the greatest.

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