The Bittersweet Science, Part One
Sean MurphyIt probably says something about evolution that the younger generations see the future as expansive, malleable and positive while the older generations eventually—and inexorably—see the past as safer, simpler and…
Emile “Butch” Bouchard: R.I.P. to a Hockey Legend
I love hockey and I can appreciate the storied history of its most famous franchise, The Montreal Canadiens (a history that, regretfully, includes their stunning first round upset of my…
Do You Believe in Miracles? (Revisited)
On Feb. 22, 1980, in a stunning upset, the United States Olympic hockey team defeated the Soviets at Lake Placid, N.Y., 4-to-3. (The U.S. team went on to win…
Tim Wakefield: Happy Trails to the Ultimate Class Act
We are in an extended post-millennial moment, as so many memorable figures from the 20th Century get older and start to pass away, where it's both fitting and inevitable to…
Socrates, R.I.P.
I read with sadness about the recent passing of Brazilian soccer legend Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio Vieira de Oliveira. Or, Socrates for short. He has been adequately eulogized already (a decent…
The Boogeyman, Goonery and Five for Fighting
The ongoing three-part series of the life and untimely death of NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard is an essential piece of reading for any hockey fan. And it's a timely…
Joe Frazier, R.I.P.
In typical 21st Century American fashion, the sad news of Joe Frazier's passing was quickly eclipsed by other big news; this week the unfolding --and sickening-- Penn State scandal. R.I.P.,…
Bill Buckner, Mookie Wilson and Me
I've never been able to appreciate the aesthetic perfection (that is to say, the perfection of baseball's most imperfect play; it's most jarringly incongruous moment) because it was too painful.…
We’ll Always Have Pedro…
Yes, that hurt. I mean, I shelled out the necessary cabbage to get the MLB ticket so I could catch as many Red Sox games as I desired. How could I…
Bird and Magic (Revisited)
1979. It's been so well documented, and remains such a touchstone (it is still the most widely watched NCAA final ever, which--considering the inconceivably successful hype college and pro sports…