Times wires
Friday, August 3, 2012
Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 2
PHILADELPHIA — Rightfielder Justin Upton hit his 100th career homer, Ian Kennedy threw six effective innings and the Diamondbacks won their fourth in a row. Upton, who hit his shot off Kyle Kendrick, preserved a 3-2 lead in the sixth by throwing out the tying run at the plate. Jason Kubel also homered for Arizona.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 3, 2012
More than patriotic
Rays manager Joe Maddon, left, said one thing he has been following during the Olympics is the U.S. women's gymnastics team, which claimed the team gold medal, led by 16-year-old Gabby Douglas, who also won the all-around title. "Her poise, her personality and her ability, the way she pulled this off is phenomenal," Maddon said. "Sixteen years old? I just got my license and was running into telephone poles when I'm 16. It's unbelievable she's able to do that."
Ink for Series berth
Manager Joe Maddon said that 3B Ryan Roberts, nicknamed "Tatman" because of his 30-plus tattoos, told him he'd have to get a tattoo if the Rays made the World Series. And Maddon appears up for the challenge, tweeting, "I'm in."
Critique of the day
"Good … tall."
Sam Fuld, Rays OF, on how 6-foot-9 RHP Jeff Niemann (broken fibula in right leg) looked during a three-inning simulated game Friday
Rays vs. Orioles
When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field
TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)
Tickets: $12-$255, available at Tropicana Field box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team Tampa store; $3 surcharge within 5 hours of game time.
Probable pitchers
Rays: RH Jeremy Hellickson (6-6, 3.23)
Orioles: LH Wei-Yin Chen (9-6, 3.65)
On Hellickson: He has won his past two starts, including throwing six shutout innings while sick Sunday against the Angels. He is 5-2 with a 2.25 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against Baltimore.
On Chen: He has won two of his last three starts, giving up just one run over 5⅔ innings to beat Oakland on Sunday. He is 0-2 with a 5.84 ERA in two career starts against Tampa Bay.
Rays vs. Chen
Jeff Keppinger 2-for-3
Matt Joyce 1-for-4
B.J. Upton 0-for-5
Orioles vs. HELLICKSON
Adam Jones 7-for-22, 3 HR
Matt Wieters 3-for-15
J.J. Hardy 4-for-19, HR
On deck
Sunday: vs. Orioles, 1:40, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (14-4, 2.64); Orioles — Miguel Gonzalez (3-2, 4.46)
Monday: Off
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 3, 2012
Times Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Jeff Niemann felt great throwing a three-inning simulated game Friday and could start a rehab assignment the middle of next week.
Niemann, out since mid May with a broken fibula in his right leg, likely would need about four minor-league starts before rejoining the rotation.
He threw 45 pitches as OF Sam Fuld and INFs Will Rhymes and Sean Rodriguez stepped in as hitters. Manager Joe Maddon said pitching coach Jim Hickey reported that Niemann was "fantastic."
"It felt good," Niemann said. "(The injury) is really less and less in my mind each day, and I'm getting to think more about what we're doing on the mound and pitching and stuff like that. It's a great transition to not worry about how you feel instead of what you're doing."
Niemann did a full warmup, and he simulated sitting between innings to replicate a real game. As well as Niemann felt during bullpen sessions, he said seeing the reactions of hitters, and how they handled his pitches, gave him a "true knowledge of where you are and what you're doing."
And, of course, some ribbing.
"A few guys hit some balls kind of hard, so they let me know," Niemann said, smiling. "But, to my credit, that was when they knew what was coming."
Niemann said he still has to build strength and stamina, but he likely would do that in a rehab assignment, working his way up to 100 pitches.
"Everything is coming along like it should," he said.
LONGOria UPDATE: 3B Evan Longoria (partially torn left hamstring) went 0-for-4 with a strikeout and a walk Friday as the DH for Triple-A Durham, the sixth game in his rehab stint.
Maddon said Longoria had felt good after Thursday's game, and it's possible he could rejoin the Rays for the Jays series next week. "It sounds encouraging," Maddon said.
WILL THE WAY: INF Will Rhymes was recalled from Durham and likely will have a bench role. Maddon said he likes Rhymes' versatility, his ability to pinch-run and pinch-hit, pointing out he could get a spot start at second base. Rhymes, in his second stint with the Rays, took the roster spot of RHP Josh Lueke, who was called up as insurance for the bullpen Wednesday but sent back down.
JOHNNY BE GOOD: Though the Indians designated Johnny Damon, 38, for assignment, it would appear unlikely Tampa Bay would re-sign the former Ray, especially considering it could have two DHs by next week (Longoria and Luke Scott, who is still on the DL). But Maddon doesn't believe Damon is done. "I would bet somebody is going to pick him up," he said.
ON THE RISE: Hard-throwing prospect RHP Alex Colome allowed two hits and four walks over six shutout innings in his first start for Durham. He struck out four. It's possible Colome, promoted after going 8-3 with a 3.48 ERA at Double-A Montgomery, could be looked at as a potential bullpen option during September callups. Maddon said Colome has "heavy velocity with good other stuff."
"This guy could be very, very special; I love his arm," Maddon said. "He's different."
MINOR MATTERS: Rookie-level Princeton finally ended its marathon, 23-inning game with Pulaski with a four-run rally to win 12-9. The teams played 18 innings Thursday, then finished Friday.
MISCELLANY: Maddon said DH Jeff Keppinger rolled his right ankle during a second-inning slide but is fine. … The Rays say the "Bark in the Park" section for Sunday's game is sold out. … INF/OF Ben Zobrist and his wife, Julianna, will be at the Trop team store from noon to 2 today ($5 includes one autograph each and a copy of Julianna's new CD, Say It Now).
By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 3, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — As Patriot kennel owner Vinny Savill made the commute on Wednesday evening from Boston to his Whitman, Mass., residence, Venus Espinosa was on his mind.
His star greyhound was going for a 10th consecutive victory at Derby Lane, less than a year after nearly being retired. But the track's top dog had his streak end with a fourth-place finish to Capabal kennel 20-1 shot Victori Twostep.
Venus Espinosa has taken Savill, 69, and Phyllis Savill, his wife of 48 years, on quite a ride. Sidelined seven months with an ankle injury, the 34-month-old male has become one of the nation's leading sprinters since returning.
"He is as good as any dog in the country," Savill said. "We're very blessed to have this kind of thing happen to us."
Savill purchased half interest in Venus Espinosa from breeder Kay Smith of Frederick, Okla. The dog didn't reach Grade A until his 32nd start and had injury issues, the most serious to an ankle that he hurt in 2011 in the $50,000 Fall Sprint. Savill and then-kennel manager-trainer Victor Hall considered two options: retire the dog or send him away for rest. They chose the latter.
Venus Espinosa went to a farm in Abilene, Kan., owned by Tom Taplin.
"We let him run around the farm for 90 days to see if we couldn't get the dog back to where we thought he should be," Savill said. "I told Tom to give me an honest appraisal after 30 to 60 days. Tom called me and said, 'I think the dog is going to be okay. … I've got nothing on the farm that can run with him.' We brought him back, and the rest is history."
A winner of 28 of 79 starts, Venus Espinosa returned in April under kennel manager-trainer Cal Holland Jr. During his win streak that began June 29, he clocked a career-best time of 30.40 seconds at 550 yards and won from every starting box except No. 1, where he lost Wednesday. His sire, Kiowa Mon Manny, won nine races in a row in 2005 at Wheeling Island (W. Va.).
But it is Venus Espinosa's dam, Sol Venus, which sparked Savill's interest in the 76-pound greyhound.
"Sol Venus was spectacular, and I just loved the breeding," he said.
Savill has purchased eight dogs from two litters out of Sol Venus, a Grade A sprinter at Lincoln Park (R.I.), which no longer has greyhound racing. Four were sired by Kiowa Mon Manny: Venus Aldridge, Venus Basaldua, Venus Coronado and Venus Espinosa. The others — Art Alex, Art Allen, Art Almost and Art's Adeline — are by Flying Penske, who is also the sire to Kiowa Mon Manny. All eight Sol Venus dogs have competed at Grade A at Derby Lane.
"Venus Espinosa is a special dog," Savill said. "With the win streak stopped, we'll probably give him a little bit of a rest and get him in good shape for the stakes races (the next one is the Fall Sprint on Sept. 15-29)."
Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 3, 2012
Plant City is trying to become the first Suncoast team since 2008 to represent the Southeast Region in the Little League World Series. After its performance Friday, the club looks like a contender.
With 877 fans looking on, Plant City easily eclipsed Alabama representative Beehive 13-0 in the Little League Southeast Region Tournament in Warner Robins, Ga.
Starting pitcher Tavaris Gayner shut down Beehive for 42/3 innings, allowing only two hits and striking out six. He left with the score 2-0, relieved by Cody Ginther (11/3 innings, one strikeout, one hit).
Plant City (11-1) looked tenuous at the plate early, but the sixth inning was a different story. The team almost batted around two times, scoring 11 runs, all against Alabama reliever Reid Whitaker.
The spark plug for the Hillsborough County squad all afternoon was leadoff hitter Benji Hidalgo. The speedy centerfielder scored both runs before the big sixth inning and finished 4-for-5 with a double, a triple and three runs.
Every member of the Plant City lineup reached base at least once. Shortstop Christian Laird (1-for-4, walk, run) led with three RBIs.
No Florida team has won the Little League World Series. Plant City continues its quest at 10 this morning when the team faces defending region champion and host Warner Robins.
LITTLE LEAGUE SENIOR BASEBALL: Largo did not have the same kind of success in its opener of the Senior Baseball Southern Region in Melbourne.
The Pinellas County club fell 6-2 in the first game of pool play against Hart County, Ga.
Largo (10-2) is trying to become the first Suncoast team to represent the region since Dade City in 2004. In the 41 years of the Little League Senior (ages 13-16) World Series, Florida has won the title six times, but the last Suncoast team to take the crown was Palm Harbor in 2001.
Largo faces Myrtle Grove Optimist, N.C., at 9:30 this morning in the second game of pool play.
On the Web
Have a question for one of our prep writers? Want to sound off in response to one of our writers' blog posts? Check out nightly scoreboards for all sports? For this and more, visit tampabay.com/hometeam.
Times wires
Friday, August 3, 2012
Marlins 5, Nationals 2
Game 2
WASHINGTON — Josh Johnson outpitched Gio Gonzalez for another win over Washington, and the Marlins gained a doubleheaders split. Johnson improved to 9-1 lifetime against Washington. He fell one out short of his first complete game since April 26, 2010. Johnson gave up one earned run and five hits. He struck out nine and walked none, and also got two hits. In the first game, Adam LaRoche and Mark DeRosa each drove in three runs in a 7-4 Nats win.
Times wires
Friday, August 3, 2012
Braves 4, Astros 1
ATLANTA — Tim Hudson gave up only four hits and no earned runs in 7 1/3 innings to remain unbeaten in his career against Houston (5-0 in seven starts), and the Braves left the Astros with their worst 32-game stretch in franchise history (3-29). Houston's worst 32-game stretch was 5-27, most recently from June 26 to July 29, 1962 as the Colt .45s, according to STATS LLC.
Times wires
Friday, August 3, 2012
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Joe Paterno's family said Friday it plans to appeal the sanctions imposed by the NCAA against Penn State for the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.
But the NCAA quickly rejected its plan. "The Penn State sanctions are not subject to appeal," spokesman Bob Williams said.
The NCAA handed down a $60 million fine, four-year bowl ban, scholarship cuts and 111 vacated wins from 1998-2011, meaning Paterno, who died in January, no longer has the most wins in major college football.
The family said the NCAA acted without regard for due process and accepted the results of a school investigation, which said Paterno and three others concealed the allegations against Sandusky, without further review.
The school accepted the sanctions, President Rodney Erickson saying he didn't see a better option because of the threat of the "death penalty."
The school declined to comment Friday.
Clemson suspends star for two games
CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson All-America receiver Sammy Watkins will miss two games — against Auburn in Atlanta and against Ball State — as punishment for an offseason arrest.
The sophomore and preseason ACC Player of the Year was pulled over May 4 and found to have marijuana and two pills for which he didn't have a prescription. He entered a pretrial intervention program.
Miami waits, practices: About 10 hours after schedule, Miami practiced for the first time. Originally set for 8:20, previously scheduled exams forced a delay until 2. Then storms prevented players from taking the field until just after 6. The recruiting scandal continues to hover over the Hurricanes. Sophomore defensive end Anthony Chickillo, a graduate of Tampa's Alonso High, declined to comment on Yahoo Sports' report that he took extra benefits during his recruitment. Instead, he focused on fixing the on-field problems, including last season's 6-6 record. "We're tired of losing," he said.
Kentucky: Starting cornerback Marcus Caffey was declared academically ineligible for the season.
Pittsburgh: Offensive lineman Juantez Hollins, who started seven games last season, was suspended for all of this season for an undisclosed violation of team rules.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 3, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton said both he and his younger brother, Justin, were aware each was one homer away from reaching 100 in their big-league careers.
After all, the two hit No. 99 the same day, back on July 20.
So it was only fitting that the Upton brothers reached the century mark within an hour of each other Friday night. B.J.'s blast, a towering solo shot to center in the fourth inning, helped lift the Rays to a 2-0 victory over the Orioles in front of 18,410 at Tropicana Field.
But Justin, 24, the Diamondbacks rightfielder, one-upped his big brother, hitting No. 100 nearly an hour earlier in Philadelphia. It was the 13th time the two have homered on the same day.
"I was just going to text him, say he got his before mine," B.J. said, smiling. "It's all good. It's cool to do that on the same day."
The elder Upton, 27, said he was honored to hear his homer put him in elite company, one of eight players in history to reach 100 home runs and 200 steals before his 28th birthday, joining former stars such as Rickey Henderson and the father-son duo of Bobby and Barry Bonds. The Uptons also became one of six sets of brothers that each hit 100 homers, including Joe and Vince DiMaggio, and Sandy and Roberto Alomar.
"I definitely wanted to beat him to it," Justin said in Philadelphia. "It really felt good. I'm happy for him. It's a big night for the family."
But, more important to B.J. Upton, the homer also helped the Rays (56-50) tally their first three-game winning streak since taking four straight June 7-10. The victory moved Tampa Bay into sole possession of second place in the AL East and within a half game of the wild card, pending the A's late game.
"We've been looking for that big streak," Upton said. "And hopefully this is the start of it."
The Rays got a solid but short start from rookie left-hander Matt Moore. He struggled with his command but battled his way through 5⅓ innings, walking three and throwing 108 pitches to continue his resurgence since June 1 (7-2 with a 3.06 ERA).
"I felt like I had a runner on every inning," Moore said. "There wasn't really a rhythm to the game, just plugging away to get them out one at a time."
Moore got a big out in the first inning after loading the bases, striking out Mark Reynolds to thwart the threat. He was helped by good defense, including third baseman Ryan Roberts, in his Rays home debut, making a diving stop to his left in the fourth.
And the Rays bullpen took it from there, continuing their stellar work. With one out and a runner on second in the sixth, left-hander Jake McGee relieved and got Lew Ford to fly out before striking out Omar Quintanilla.
Desmond Jennings boosted the lead to 2-0 with a homer in the sixth.
Relievers Joel Peralta, Kyle Farnsworth and closer Fernando Rodney, who picked up his major-league-leading 32nd save, then shut the door, giving the Rays four shutouts in their past six games for the first time in franchise history.
Said Upton: "It's never comfortable, but I think with our bullpen, it's about as comfortable as it gets."
Upton said his parents, fixtures at both he and his brother's games, were in Las Vegas on Friday night. But he expected the news traveled fast.
"Mom and dad have to be really proud," manager Joe Maddon said. "That's an incredible feat."
Times wires
Friday, August 3, 2012
Rangers 5, Royals 3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Matt Harrison gave the beleaguered Rangers pitching staff a strong start and Mitch Moreland hit a three-run homer off reliever Jose Mijares, who had not yielded a home run to a left-handed hitter this season. Texas starters had allowed at least six runs in the previous four games, but Harrison held the Royals to two runs and eight hits in 6⅔ innings. Harrison, who went 1-3 in July, left after 109 pitches.
Times wires
Friday, August 3, 2012
Twins 6, Red Sox 5
10 innings
BOSTON — Jamey Carroll had four hits, including a go-ahead single in the 10th to lift the Twins. Carroll and Justin Morneau each went 4-for-4. The Twins overcame a 5-1 deficit as Boston's Carl Crawford had homered, doubled, singled and drove in three.
Times staff
Friday, August 3, 2012
4 a.m. – 7 p.m. NBC BASKETBALL
• Basketball (M) – Tunisia-France (LIVE, 4 a.m.), Russia-Spain (LIVE, 6:15 a.m.), U.S. vs. Lithuania (LIVE, 9:30 a.m.), China-Brazil (LIVE, 11:45 a.m.), Great Britain-Australia (LIVE, 3 p.m.), Argentina-Nigeria (LIVE, 5:15 p.m.)
4 a.m. – 8 p.m. NBCSN
• Basketball (M) – Russia vs. Spain (LIVE, 6:15 a.m.), U.S.-Lithuania (LIVE, 9:30 a.m.)
• Triathlon (W) – (LIVE, 4 a.m.)
• Tennis (M) – Doubles final: Bryan-Bryan (U.S.) — Tsonga-Llorda (France) (LIVE, 11 a.m.)
• Beach volleyball – Elimination (LIVE)
• Field hockey (W) – U.S.-New Zealand (LIVE, 2 p.m.)
• Equestrian – Jumping qualifying
• Cycling – Track events
• Shooting (W) – Trap final
• Volleyball (M) – Qualifying (LIVE)
7 a.m. – 6 p.m. MSNBC
• Soccer (M) – Quarterfinals: Japan-Egypt (LIVE, 7 a.m.), Mexico-Senegal (LIVE, 9:30 a.m.), Brazil-Honduras (LIVE, noon); Great Britain-South Korea (LIVE, 2:30 p.m.)
• Water polo (M) – Qualifying
• Badminton (W) – Singles, doubles final
• Track and field (M) – 20K walk
• Weightlifting (M) – 94KG final
7 a.m. – 6 p.m. TELEMUNDO
• Soccer (M) – Quarterfinals (LIVE)
• Beach volleyball – Elimination
• Track and field – Qualifying rounds
• Boxing – Elimination bouts
• Basketball (M) – Qualifying
8:30 – 11:30 a.m. CNBC
• Boxing – Elimination bouts (LIVE)
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ch. 8
• Tennis (W) – Final, S. Williams (U.S.)-Sharapova (Russia) (LIVE, 9 a.m.)
• Track and field – Men's 10,000M final (LIVE, 4:15 p.m.), qualifying
• Beach volleyball (M) – U.S.-Russia (LIVE, 5 p.m.) (LIVE)
• Volleyball (M) – U.S.-Russia (LIVE, 11:45 a.m.)
• Water polo (M) – U.S.-Serbia (LIVE, 2:40 p.m.)
• Cycling – Track final
• Rowing – Finals
• Gymnastics (W) – Trampoline final
3:30 – 6:30 p.m. CNBC
• Boxing – Elimination bouts (LIVE)
8 p.m. – Midnight Ch. 8
• Swimming – Finals: men's and women's 400M medley relay, women's 50M freestyle, men's 1500M free
• Track and field – Finals: women's 100M, men's long jump
• Beach volleyball – U.S.-Netherlands
• Diving (W) – 3M semifinal
Midnight – 2:30 a.m. TELEMUNDO
• Swimming – Finals
• Track and field – Finals
• Diving (W) – 3M semifinal
12:30 – 1:30 a.m. Ch. 8
• Track and field – Finals
• Cycling – Track events
• Swimming (M) – 1,500M final
Contact your cable or dish provider to see if it carries the Basketball network.
All events streamed live at NBCOlympics.com.
Country G S B T
U.S.21101243
China2013942
Russia312823
Britain86822
Japan281121
Germany59620
France85619
S. Korea92516
Australia19414
Italy45312
Times wires
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Cardinals 9, Brewers 3
ST. LOUIS — Rookie Joe Kelly ended a three-start losing skid and drove in the go-ahead run as the Cardinals ended the Brewers' three-game win streak. Kelly, who entered the game with seven straight quality starts but losses in his past three, hit an RBI single off Randy Wolf to break a 3-3 tie and cap a four-run fourth.
Times wires
Saturday, August 4, 2012
White Sox 8, Angels 6
10 innings
CHICAGO — Alex Rios' second homer of the game, a two-run shot, won it for the White Sox. He hit a solo homer in the sixth. The Angels' Zack Greinke was roughed up in his second start since last week's trade from the Brewers. He allowed A.J. Pierzynski's three-run homer in the first.
Times wires
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Giants 16, Rockies 4
DENVER — Buster Posey's four hits included a three-run homer during the Giants' six-run eighth. San Francisco had lost seven of eight, getting shut out twice and held to one run twice in that span. The Rockies have lost nine of their past 11.
Times wires
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Padres 3, Mets 1
SAN DIEGO — Carlos Quentin scored the go-ahead run for the Padres in the seventh when he knocked the ball out of catcher Josh Thole's glove. With Quentin on first, Yonder Alonso sent a shot to rightcenter. The ball arrived in plenty of time, but the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Quentin lowered his left shoulder and barreled into the 6-1, 214-pound Thole. The Mets' R.A. Dickey took the majors' strikeout lead with 158 but failed to win his majors-high 15th game.
Times wires
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Dodgers 5, Cubs 1
LOS ANGELES — Chad Billingsley won his third consecutive start for the Dodgers. The right-hander lost five consecutive starts with a 6.21 ERA before going on the disabled list with a sore elbow. Since then, he has allowed just two runs over 201/3 innings (0.87 ERA). Billingsley's batterymate, A.J. Ellis, hit solo homers in the third and seventh and a run-scoring single in the fifth.
Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 3, 2012
Taylor Burdge has embarked on the trip of her young lifetime. • The 2012 Tampa Prep graduate, whom the Tampa Bay Times profiled in May, started her cross-country journey by bike in June, pedaling to help raise awareness of affordable housing with a nonprofit called Bike and Build. • Burdge and 32 other 18- to 25-year-olds left from Portland, Maine, en route to Santa Barbara, Calif. The trip will take 75 days and cover nearly 4,000 miles. • The group stops every fourth day or so to assist in building affordable houses in various communities across the nation. • When Times correspondent Brandon Wright caught up with Burdge this week, she was traversing New Mexico and provided this update.
Destination: Roswell, N.M.
Terrain: flat with some gradual climbs
Mileage: 97
Temperature: extreme heat (110 degrees)
Wake up: 4 a.m.
Vast nothingness is the best way to describe our ride from Portales, N.M, to Roswell, N.M. Minus a small town of 120 people, there was absolutely nothing — not even a house — for the 97-mile stretch. After an uneventful first 20 miles, we stopped in that small town 20 miles in for some coffee.
We talked to the Eleda, N.M., law enforcement officers about what it's like growing up in a town with only 120 people in it, and that's a 25-mile drive to the nearest grocery store.
I learned that in Eleda, everyone leaves their car keys in their car so that a neighbor could borrow their car if needed. Quite different from Tampa!
We also were informed that Eleda would be our last stop for water for the next 80 miles. After making sure our water bottles and CamelBaks were filled to the rim, we hit the road. The lack of trees, hills and buildings makes it especially brutal when there is a headwind, and the next few miles were spent at a crawl as we pushed ourselves forward along the New Mexico plateaus.
Fortunately, the headwind did not last too long and before we knew it, we were cruising at our normal 18 to 20 mph pace once again. Cacti, barbwire fencing, and burnt-orange clay was about all their was to look for the next few hours and it quickly became boring.
But just when we almost had enough and were in need of some change, the terrain became much rockier and hillier, and steep clay cliffs started to arise. From here on out, the ride was breathtaking. The contrast of the bright-green shrubs against the burnt-orange clay all along the steep, rocky cliffs proved why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment.
As the day wore on though, it got hotter and hotter, to the point where my phone could no longer work because it had overheated. No trees means no shade and after spending the past five hours baking in the sun, we really needed to cool down.
We found just what we needed after 75 miles: a small sliver of water in a dried-up creek hidden under the highway bridge. No normal person would have ever dared to touch the water, but desperate times call for desperate measures and we hopped the fallen down barbwire fence and waded in.
Strangely, it was salt water and salt deposits lined the banks of the river. We dunked our heads in and cooled off in our own secret oasis. The next 25 miles were much easier and we arrived into Roswell at 4 p.m.
For those who do not know, Roswell is famous for its UFO sightings back in the 1940s. The town of 50,000 people has completely franchised off of it, and the entire town is decorated with little green aliens and UFOs. After stopping for some "alien ice" (Italian ice) and Starbucks in town (the first Starbucks in weeks), we headed to our hosts, the First United Methodist Church to shower up before dinner.
All in all, it was another good day on the road.
By Kevin Brady, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 3, 2012
The Brandon area and the Tampa Bay Bucs are stepping up to help local athletes after vandals ransacked the home of the Brandon Lions Youth Football and Cheerleading Organization at E.L. Bing Park in Seffner.
Vandals raided the club's concession stand and administrative offices overnight July 30, destroying trophies, burning a signed Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey and stealing concessions.
An apparent attempt to blow up the building failed when the vandals tried to ignite gas from a propane tank. The tank was empty.
"I wanted to cry when I heard the news," said Clyde Wint, Brandon Lions president. "It's like building a house and someone comes in and burns it to the ground."
An arson investigation is now underway in the incident, which caused $4,000 in damage, according to club officials. It could not have come at a worse time for the Lions. The club hosted scrimmage games July 31, and had hoped to raise at least $2,500 in concession stand sales.
Offers of help have poured in with local restaurants, attorneys and even a private investigator offering assistance, Wint said.
"It brings joy to my heart that so many people are willing to help out," Wint said. "I've received at least 10 calls from local businesses and 50 members of my church (the Crossing) have offered to help."
On Saturday, the Bucs were scheduled to give $3,500 to the Lions at the conclusion of their night practice at Raymond James Stadium. In June, the Bucs made similar donations to the Highland Pines Cougars and Carrollwood Cardinals, two other youth football programs victimized by crime.
Stanley L. Martin, a Brandon native and attorney, said he is "disgusted" by the vandalism.
"It really upset me that someone would do this to a children's sports team," said Martin, who graduated from Armwood High in 1989 and played youth baseball and football in Brandon.
Martin donated $2,500 to the team last week and promised more if needed.
"I am willing to do whatever it takes to make up for the damages," said Martin, who runs a law firm in Ybor City that specializes in representing mobile home park owners and condo associations.
A Valrico resident, Martin turned down an offer to have his law firm's name on a banner at E.L. Park in return for the donation.
"I am not doing it for publicity," Martin said. "I just want things right for that team."
Beef 'O' Brady's of Seffner also will help the club.
"The Brandon Lions have always supported us, so I want to support them as well," said owner Eric Edmonds.
Kurt Callarman, owner of Crown Trophy of Tampa, is repairing all the trophies damaged during the incident.
"We deal with (youth sports teams) all the time and I know they are always struggling for funds so we offered to fix all their trophies. It's one less worry for them and an expense they don't have to deal with now," Callarman said.
The Wesley Chapel Cowboys Little League team is also collecting donations for the club. Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts have donated gift cards and doughnuts.
Revenue from the concession stand helps fund scholarships for many the club's athletes who play from July to November and January to April. Signups for football cost $175, and $200 for cheerleading.
"We have to sponsor most of our kids because we are in a low-income area, so for this to happen now when we need it most really hurts," said Anna Vega, the Lions' fundraising director.
Run by unpaid volunteers, the Lions field five football and cheerleading teams serving 150 children ages 5 to 15 with a budget of about $90,000 a year.
Anyone with information on the incident can call Crime Stoppers anonymously toll-free at 1-800-873-8477 (TIPS).
For more information on the club or to help out, call Wint at (813) 362-1907. The club also has a Brandon Lions page on Facebook and a website, thebrandonlions.com.
The Lions opened their season Saturday against the Lakeland Gators.
Kevin Brady can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.
Times staff
Friday, August 3, 2012
armwood
Sept. 1 vs. Brandon
Sept. 7 vs. Delray Beach American Heritage
Sept. 14 at Tampa Bay Tech
Sept. 21 at Leto
Sept. 28 vs. Jefferson
Oct. 5 vs. Sickles
Oct. 12 at Strawberry Crest
Oct. 19 at Hillsborough
Oct. 26 at Plant
Nov. 2 vs. King
bloomingdale
Sept. 1 vs. Chamberlain
Sept. 7 vs. Strawberry Crest
Sept. 14 at East Bay
Sept. 21 at Tampa Catholic
Sept. 28 vs. Riverview
Oct. 5 vs. Alonso
Oct. 12 at Leto
Oct. 19 vs. Wharton
Nov. 2 at Plant
Nov. 9 at Newsome
BRANDON
Sept. 1 at Armwood
Sept. 14 vs. Freedom
Sept. 21 vs. Durant
Sept. 28 vs. Sickles
Oct. 5 at Newsome
Oct. 12 at Plant
Oct. 19 vs. Riverview
Oct. 26 vs. Plant City
Nov. 2 at East Bay
Nov. 9 at Jefferson
DURANT
Sept. 1 at Freedom
Sept. 7 vs. Alonso
Sept. 21 at Brandon
Sept. 28 at Wharton
Oct. 5 vs. Plant City
Oct. 12 vs. Chamberlain
Oct. 19 vs. Newsome
Oct. 26 at East Bay
Nov. 2 at Riverview
Nov. 9 vs. King
EAST BAY
Sept. 1 at Lennard
Sept. 7 vs. Steinbrenner
Sept. 14 vs. Bloomingdale
Sept. 21 vs. Newsome
Oct. 5 at Riverview
Oct. 12 at Gaither
Oct. 19 at Plant City
Oct. 26 vs. Durant
Nov. 2 vs. Brandon
Nov. 9 at Strawberry Crest
lennard
Sept. 1 vs. East Bay
Sept. 7 at Gibbs
Sept. 14 at Middleton
Sept. 21 at Robinson
Sept. 28 at Berkeley Prep
Oct. 5 vs. Jesuit
Oct. 12 vs. Lakewood
Oct. 19 vs. Blake
Oct. 26 at Spoto
Nov. 2 vs. Dunedin
NEWSOME
Sept. 1 vs. Tampa Bay Tech
Sept. 7 vs. Jefferson
Sept. 14 at Hillsborough
Sept. 21 at East Bay
Sept. 28 at Chamberlain
Oct. 5 vs. Brandon
Oct. 19 at Durant
Oct. 26 at Riverview
Nov. 2 vs. Plant City
Nov. 9 vs. Bloomingdale
PLANT CITY
Sept. 1 at Strawberry Crest
Sept. 7 vs. Freedom
Sept. 14 vs. Gaither
Sept. 21 vs. Riverview
Oct. 5 at Durant
Oct. 12 at Alonso
Oct. 19 vs. East Bay
Oct. 26 at Brandon
Nov. 2 at Newsome
Nov. 9 vs. Tampa Bay Tech
riverview
Sept. 1 at Spoto
Sept. 14 vs. Leto
Sept. 21 at Plant City
Sept. 28 at Bloomingdale
Oct. 5 vs. East Bay
Oct. 12 at Steinbrenner
Oct. 19 at Brandon
Oct. 26 vs. Newsome
Nov. 2 vs. Durant
Nov. 9 vs. Gaither
SEFFNER CHRISTIAN
Sept. 1 vs. Master's Academy (at Brandon High), 7
Sept. 7 at Bishop McLaughlin
Sept. 21 at Life Christian, 7
Sept. 28 vs. Windermere Prep (at Strawberry Crest)
Oct. 5 at Landmark Christian, 7
Oct. 12 at Shorecrest
Oct. 19 vs. Merritt Island Christian (at Armwood)
Oct. 26 vs. Cambridge (at Strawberry Crest)
Nov. 2 vs. North Florida Educational (at TBT)
spoto
Sept. 1 vs. Riverview
Sept. 14 at Gibbs
Sept. 21 at Middleton
Sept. 28 vs. Jesuit
Oct. 5 vs. Dunedin
Oct. 12 at Blake
Oct. 19 at Robinson
Oct. 26 vs. Lennard
Nov. 2 vs. Lakewood
Nov. 9 at Wharton
STRAWBERRY CREST
Sept. 1 vs. Plant City
Sept. 7 at Bloomingdale
Sept. 14 at Steinbrenner
Sept. 21 vs. Hillsborough
Sept. 28 at King
Oct. 12 vs. Armwood
Oct. 19 vs. Leto
Oct. 26 at Sickles
Nov. 2 at Jefferson
Nov. 9 vs. East Bay
