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Alabama Weekly
June 14, 1999
June 14, 1999 -- Issue 8 -- Volume 2
AW Web Site: http://TideFans.com NEW!!
HELLO BAMANATION CITIZENS!!
Welcome to Alabama Weekly, your weekly E-Mail Newsletter about
Alabama Crimson Tide sports. The purpose of this newsletter is to recap
the week's events in University of Alabama Sports. This issue of Alabama
Weekly is being sent to Tide Fans worldwide!
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visit TideFans.com to sign up and receive their own copy! Thanks for
subscribing and we'll see you next week with Issue 9 wrapping up the
College World Series . Enjoy issue Number Eight of Alabama Weekly
- Volume II! Roll Tide!
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TideFans Cybercast of CWS
Alabama Weekly Staff Reports
If you're stuck at work or home and can't pick up the radio or TV
broadcast of the Tide's games in Omaha, check out our LIVE play-by-play
Cybercast of all Bama games on TideFans.com. BamaJim is the host and has
done a wonderful job and gives you the sense of actually being in Omaha
watching our boys battle it out. The Tide takes on Rice at 2:30pm CDT on
Tuesday so check it out at http://TideFans.com.
SECOND ROUND BLUES
One win, one loss in Omaha
By Grif Carden
Baseball Editor
In 1996, 1997, and 1999 Alabama won first round games in the College
World Series, faced Miami in the second round, and came out on the short
end of the score all three times. In 96 Bama defeated Oklahoma State 7-5
before falling to Miami in a 15-1 blowout, and the 97 team defeated
Mississippi State 3-2 before losing 6-1 to the Hurricanes.
The 96 Tide was eliminated with a 1-2 record, but the 97 version of the
Tide rebounded to beat Mississippi State a second time (9-5) and Miami
twice (8-6 and 8-2) to make the championship game, a 13-6 loss to LSU.
This year's 11-3 win over Oklahoma State was followed by an 8-1 loss,
and Bama now has the tough task of winning its next four games in order
to claim its first NCAA baseball championship.
Tide starting pitcher Justin Smith, an Oklahoma native, grew up as a fan
of the Cowboys and often attended their games with his father who was an
alumnus of OSU. He was obviously nervous at the start of the first game
and issued walks to the first two batters. After a fly out to left
field, the bases were loaded when the home plate umpire deemed that the
next batter was hit on the elbow with a pitch that appeared to be over
the middle of the plate for strike three. Coach Wells argued that the
batter should have been out because he had leaned into the pitch and
television replays seemed to show that the ball missed his elbow anyway,
but the damage was done.
After the next hitter grounded to third for a force out at the plate,
Oklahoma State had what they had believed was the right batter at the
plate, rightfielder Lamont Matthews. He not only had the most home runs
of any player at the CWS (30), but also had led the NCAA with RBI (105),
and had a .390 batting average. Smith got a called third strike on a 3-2
slider (and struck Matthews out the other two times he would face him,
also on called third strikes) to get out of the inning with no runs.
Even though Bama went down 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the first, the
Tide still seemed to have momentum on its side.
In the second inning, G.W. Keller led off with an infield single and
Jeremy Brown - who had hit a home run in his first collegiate at bat in
February against Houston - also homered in his first CWS at bat to put
Bama up 2-0 and give the Tide a lead it would keep for the rest of the
game.
Smith pitched six innings, giving up only three hits, one run
(unearned), three bases on balls, and two hit batters, while striking
out seven. He was replaced by freshman Scott Murphy who pitched the
final three innings. Bama bats were on fire, with all starters getting
at least one hit (Keller and Andy Phillips got three each, with Brown
and fellow-freshman Erick Smallwood each getting two.
Phillips set the SEC record for hits in consecutive games at 34, while
Brown ran his streak to 20 games with at least one hit) and all except
Phillips scored at least once. In addition to Brown, round-trippers were
hit by Smallwood and Antonio Bostic, both in the sixth inning. Oklahoma
State had three runs on six hits and committed two errors, while Bama
got 11 runs on 15 hits with one error. The sixteenth straight win for
the Tide was a new school record.
Miami's starting pitcher Alex Santos, a first team All-American,
completely handcuffed Alabama in an 8-1 Hurricane victory. This was
Bama's lowest run total of the year, while the five hits equaled the
lowest number for the season. Bama starter Manny Torres also was strong,
holding Miami scoreless through three innings.
Miami put up single runs in the fourth (on a leadoff home run which hit
the foul pole in left), fifth, and sixth, before scoring three in the
seventh and two in the eighth. The lone Tide run came in the sixth
inning, when Phillips led off with a single and scored on a double by
Keller that bounced over the left field wall. Keller was left at second
when the next three batters were all strikeout victims.
Bama had a huge opportunity in the seventh with the bases loaded, but
Keller popped out to center to end the threat. Keller led the hitting
with two hits (his double was the only extra base hit for the Tide),
while the other three were by Phillips, Sam Bozanich, and Brent Boyd.
Torres pitched six and one-third innings, giving up 10 hits, six runs
(all earned), three walks, and struck out eight. Jonathan Blankenship
pitched the last inning and two-thirds, giving up the final two runs.
Alabama faces Rice - which lost to Miami 8-4 and beat Oklahoma State in
an elimination game 7-2 - on Tuesday afternoon. A Bama win would set up
a Wednesday rematch with Miami, and a win in that game would lead to
another Miami game on Friday. The championship game will be played on
Saturday.
The starting pitcher on Tuesday will probably be either Murphy or
sophomore Kevin Marzion. Smith should be able to pitch again on
Wednesday, with Torres available for the Friday game.
Where Are They Now?
First in a NEW Alabama Weekly Series
By Jim Morris
Alabama Weekly Staff
Sixteen years ago, BAMA traveled to Omaha and the College World Series
for the fist time ever. The TIDE advanced to the championship game
against Texas. Texas sent a guy to the mound who would later be named
"The Rocket". Roger Clemens led the Longhorns to the national
title that day and would go on to win Cy Young's and many other awards
in the Major Leagues.
Facing Clemens that day was a kid from Tampa who had just won the
"Golden Spikes Award," which is given to the top amateur
baseball player in America.
In this first article of my series "WHERE ARE THEY NOW?" BAMA
baseball great Dave Magadan will be featured.
Magadan came from a rich baseball family. Dave's cousin and godfather is
Seattle manager Lou Pinnela. Baseball was a game he was taught at a
young age. After playing little league, Magadan went on to Tampa-Jesuit
High School. Jesuit is where he began to get the attention of college
coaches and pro scouts.
After his senior year, Dave was selected in the 1980 Major League
Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox. In keeping with his word to his
family, he set off for Tuscaloosa and THE University of Alabama-- a
decision that would turn out to be the best for Dave Magadan and
ALABAMA. The team leader of the Crimson Tide earned All-SEC honors in
1982 and 1983; All-American in '83; and named the best college baseball
player in America that same year. In addition to those awards Magadan
was named to the ALL-CWS team in 1983 after leading the TIDE to a second
place finish.
After that incredible 1983 season, the Major Leagues came calling again.
This time it was earlier in the draft order and with more money on the
table. The New York Mets drafted Dave in the second round of the 1983
class. This time Magadan jumped at the offer. He signed with the Mets in
June of 1983 and would begin a sixteen-year professional baseball career
that continues today.
In 1986 Dave finally got the call all minor league players dream of.
After four years in the minors it was now time to enter the Big Leagues.
Reporting to the Mets in the middle of the season, Magadan spent the
rest of the year acclimating to the pitching of major league opponents.
In 1987 he would begin the season on the disabled list. During physical
examinations at Spring Training, the Mets medical staff found that
Magadan had a mass under his left arm. After careful examination and
further medical tests, both Dave and the Mets felt the lymph node should
be removed. After successful removal of the lymph node, he was activated
off the DL on April 17,1987. "Mag" went on to hit for a 318
batting average while committing only one error at first.
In 1987 thru 1990 Dave would be the utility first and third baseman for
the Mets. The 1990 season would prove to be the best season for Magadan
to date. In that season he was third in the National League with a .328
batting average, second in the NL with an on base percentage of .417,
and a league leading .998 fielding percentage.
In 1991 Magadan underwent shoulder surgery on both shoulders. After
months of rehab and hard work in the batting cage, he returned to the
Mets in 1992. Once again Dave would be hit by the injury bug. While
sliding into second during a game against Cincinnati, he was hit on the
right wrist by an errant throw. Two shoulder surgeries and a fractured
wrist in 2 years were enough to scare the Mets into not protecting him
in the upcoming expansion draft.
The upstart Florida Marlins signed Dave in '93. Dave was finally close
to home, something he had always dreamed of. Returning to south Florida,
Dave continued as Chairman of the "No-Small Affair" south
Florida organization. Two years earlier Dave was selected by the
Baseball Writers of America to receive its humanitarian award for his
work and financial support to this organization which helps
disadvantaged kids. Through Dave's and many others hard work, the No
Small Affair organization has helped thousands of children in the south
Florida area.
On the field, Magadan was used mainly as a utility infielder for the
Marlins. In this role Magadan lead the Majors in pinch hits and pinch
hit RBI's. 1994 was almost an identical season as '93. Magadan was
becoming known as one of the best pinch hitters in Major League
Baseball. Following the '93 season, in pursuit of youth; the Marlins
placed Dave on waivers.
Having a godfather in the business helped out this time. Lou Pinnela
signed Magadan in 1993. Dave would play for his godfather 2 seasons
'93-95.
In 1996 Dave was picked up as a utility infielder by the Chicago Cubs.
As a utility player Magadan was the player the Cubs relied on to provide
the clutch pinch hit. As the free agent market goes, so do the players.
After one year in the windy city he was once again off to another team
and another city.
1997 and 1998 Dave played for the Oakland A's. On August 16, 1997
Magadan picked up his 1,000th career major league hit off of Brewers
pitcher Cal Eldred. In 1998 he hit .388 with 1 homerun, and hit an
impressive .448 with runners in scoring position.
After the 1998 season he would be off again. This time Dave would travel
down the California coast to the San Diego Padres. In limited play this
season Magadan is batting .280 and is the first player called off the
bench to pinch-hit for the Padres.
This 1999 season could be the last for Dave Magadan. After a successful
13 year career in the majors "Mr. Clutch" may hang up his
cleats. The Padres have already hinted that they may not re-sign him at
the end of the year. Many baseball insiders say if Magadan is not
re-signed he will opt for retirement.
With his possible retirement looming and his best playing days behind
him. Dave Magadan is one more we can add to the impressive list of TIDE
alumnus. Surviving the Majors for 13 years is a feet not many players
are fortunate to achieve. Magadan's achievements on the field will not
be remembered ten years from now. But the work he has done to help the
disadvantaged children in south Florida will be remembered for
lifetimes. I think I can speak for all TIDE fans in saying, "Dave
Magadan will always be remembered as not only a great athlete but a
great person."
Thanks Dave for adding to the list of BAMA sports greats.
When Magadan does call it quits he plans to live in his hometown of
Tampa with 2 sons, Jordan and Christian. According to reports, Mag will
not be out of baseball long. Citing his experience and knowledge of the
game, many feel he will be given the opportunity to become a
professional baseball coach. Whatever he chooses to do after his playing
career is over, you can bet Mag will be successful.
Let's Go Spree!!
By John Hinds
Bama in Boston Bureau
Want a courtside seat to the NBA Finals in New York this week? Got a
spare $4000 per ticket per game sitting around?
Want a reason?
Latrell Sprewell has absolutely turned New York City up side down. The
ex-Bama superstar has taken the NBA playoffs and turned them into his
own personal playground. He has also turned New Yorkers wallets inside
out. That was not a misprint you read above. Unless you are a season
ticket holder or have a relative who is, scalpers are asking and getting
$4000 per game for courtside seats.
Sprewell and the Knicks entered the NBA playoffs as the eighth seed in
the East. They scoffed at that, after all it was a short season and the
New Yorkers got hot in the final weeks of that season.
So, against the Miami Heat, in the first round, a round the Knicks won,
3-2, Sprewell averaged 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and nearly two assists
per game.
That sent them into a second round match against the helpless Atlanta
Hawks. The Knicks won that series in four straight games. Sprewell was a
huge part of his team's success. He averaged 22.5 points and five
rebounds per game.
In those two series he won the hearts of both his teammates and fans and
made them change their minds about his image as a thug.
"I think he's played extremely well," said his coach Jeff Van
Gundy. "I think he's changed some people's perceptions."
Sprewell pleaded for a starting role in the Eastern Conference Finals
against the Indiana Pacers and got it in the series final three games.
New York won that series 4-2. In those six games he scored 106 points
and grabbed 22 rebounds with 11 assists, 3 steals and four blocked
shots.
More importantly he was the heart and soul of the Knicks. He energy and
enthusiasm sparked New York to their first finals appearance since 1995.
"He's a great teammate," said Knicks reserve Herb Williams.
"He stays fired up, and plays with emotion all the time. You need
guys like that. He has a ton of emotion and plays with it every
night."
Sprewell is so popular that filmmaker Spike Lee wears a replica of his
jersey at his courtside seat.
As the Grateful Dead sang "what a long strange trip it's
been."
The journey continues on June 16 when Sprewell leads New York into the
Alamodome in San Antonio searching for their first NBA title in 26
years.
Soup's Silly Stuff:
by Dennis "Soup"
Campbell
Jokemaster Extraordinaire
You know you're an auburn fan if:
-- Your hometown medical clinic is called Bubba-Joe's Hospital, Bait
Shop and Drive Thru.
-- You put beer in your water bed so you'd have a foam mattress.
-- You gave your Dr. that 3-legged chair from the barn when he asked you
for a stool sample.
-- You used your Momma's dried grits to glue together the vinyl top of
your car.
-- Your idea of quality entertainment is a 6-pack and a bug zapper.
AND THE BAMANATION SAID: "ROLL TIDE!"
If you have an article or commentary you'd like to submit for
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Newsletter published by: Brett Young and Jess Nicholas
Alabama Weekly / TideFans.com Staff:
Jess Nicholas, Recruiting Editor
John Hinds, Bama in Boston
Grif Carden, Baseball / Basketball Editor
Chris Depew, Football Editor
Jim Morris, Feature Writer
Brett Young, Managing Editor
PLEASE VISIT TIDEFANS.COM / ALABAMA WEEKLY
BamaNation: http://www.TideFans.com
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ROLL TIDE ROLL!
BEAT RICE!
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*** (c) 1999 TideFans.com(tm) / Alabama Weekly(sm)
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*** DISCLAIMER:
*** All content courtesy of the respective authors
*** may not be the official position of TideFans. However,
*** TideFans does have ultimate editorial authority, so
*** it's pretty much in line with how we feel! ;) ROLL TIDE!
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