Babe Ruth Jersey

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Al8rcDrUyki3LSwmbFCh_PMRvLYF?slug=sh-henson_babe_ruth_1920_jersey_auction_022612
I found this article while searching on yahoo.com. The article reveals the finding of a Bath Ruth number 3 game worn jersey that was determined to be made circa 1920. According to the article experts were able to determnie that the jersey was made circa 1920 because the Y in "New York" on the jersey was embroidered on the double-thick button placket. The article, which was written by Steve Henson, goes on to discuss other vauable sports memorabilia and the career and curse of the "Great Bambino". According to Steve Henson the Babe Ruth circa 1920 jersey should go for over 1.3 million dollars. Although I understand that selling of sports memorabilia is a popular pratice and that there are fans willing to spend exorbinant amounts of money to buy there idols apparel, in my opinion there is no way a jersey is worth over 1.3 million dollars. Do not get me wrong, I am a big Yankees fan and understand the passion fans have for their favortie teams, but I think the buying of sports memorabilia is becoming a little ridiculous.

Pure Heart by William Nack: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1005832/index.htm

I decided to write about William Nack's article on Secretariat titled, Pure Heart. Nack's article highlights the quest to win the Triple Crown of horse racing and the impressive resume of the great horse, Secretariat. Through his personal examples and stories, Nack beautifully portrays the life and greatness of arguably the best race horse ever. Throughout the article Nack seems to put his heart into depicting the story of Secretariat truly proving Nack’s pure love for the horse.

Pure Heart was a special piece because of Nack's obsession with and devotion to the career of Secretariat. Nack says in the article that he always had a love for horse racing. Nack's love for horse racing was shown throughout the article with his commitment to following what he thought; he turned out to be right, record breaking career of his favorite horse. Secretariat was a little known two year old colt that had unimaginable potential when Nack first saw him. After Nack saw him run for the first time he became instantly fascinated with the impressive animal. From that point on Nack would follow Secretariat around and record what he observed and found interesting.  Nack would wake up early and immediately go to Secretariats stall to observe the multiple aspects of the horse. Every move Secretariat made seemingly interested Nack. Nack's love of the horse led him to have a special connection with the horse. Aside from a man named Sweat, who spent nearly the whole day taking care of the horse, no one knew the horse better than Nack. Nack truly treasured every characteristic of Secretariat.

One of Nack's stories particularly interested me. Nack, one certain day, was in Secretariats stall and was writing on his notebook. Secretariat proceeded to grab the notebook from Nack's hand. Secretariat kept the notebook in his mouth and then dropped in on a bed of straw only after Sweat urged him to drop the book. I found it amazing that a horse could have the mental capability to realize that Nack, who he saw almost every day, was using that notebook to write notes down about him. Secretariat purposely took the book from Nack’s grasps and playfully kept it away from him. Secretariat's actions sparked laughter and intrigue throughout the stall and further added to his legend. Nack's story proves that Secretariat was a special horse not only because he won the Triple Crown and set multiple records but also because he had a personality and mind of his own.

I gathered many things from Nack's article. Before I even read the article I already knew about the legend of Secretariat and his remarkable resume: the Triple Crown and numerous records. Reading the first page, I thought to myself that the article would be a nice tribute to the greatness of the horse. I was completely mistaken. Yes, Nack highlighted the success Secretariat had but he also gave the back stories such as the training and personality of the horse. Nack made his story special because he gave credibility to himself by discussing true stories he came upon through his dedication of studying the horse. I truly admire the passion Nack had for following what he loved. In reading Pure Heart it is obvious that Nack wanted to convey his love for Secretariat and I believe he successfully did that. The way Nack described the unfortunate death of the horse was masterful and made it apparent Secretariat would always have a special place in Nack’s heart.  I believe William Nack's article Pure Heart was a genuine and heartfelt interpretation of the great horse Secretariat.

The long and exhilarating NFL season has finally come to an end. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl 46. Eli Manning won the MVP with clutch plays like the pass on the game winning drive to Mario Manningham and setting a new Super Bowl record for consecutive completed passes to start the Super Bowl, 9. The Giants won their 4th Super Bowl by keeping the game close and handing the ball to the confident, cluth Eli Manning. Eli once again led the Giants on a Super Bowl winning drive in the final minute. The drive was highlighted by a 38 yard catch, Manning to Manningham. Ahmad Bradshaw finished the drive with a rushing touchdown. The drive left the Patriots with just 57 seconds. Brady heaved a desperation pass in the final seconds but it was knocked down in the end zone. I believe there are two intriguing questions that come from Super Bowl 46. Is Eli Manning now a hall of famer and has Tom Brady's leagacy diminshed? Let me answer both questions first, YES! Eli has put together an impressive resume with two Super Bowl wins, two Super Bowl MVPs, a NFL record 5 playoff road wins, a near 5,000 yard season, and many others. With Manning's truimph, Brady's legacy has taken a hit. Brady is now 2-4 in his last 6 playoffs games and now has lost 2 straight Super Bowls to the Giants. Overall, the NFL season was a success considering no one was sure we were even going to see games this year.

The day has finally come. The super bowl, arguably the most popular sporting event, will happen in about 30 minutes. After two weeks of preparation and seemingly never ending analysis, the players are ready to take the field in what should be a fascinating super bowl. Super Bowl 46 is a rematch of the Super Bowl 42 where the Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14. The Giants, through a final second drive by Eli Manning and the helmet of David Tyree, were able to conquer the impressive and intimidating 18-0 New England Patriots. If the upcoming game is anything like the previous Super Bowl fans should and will be happy. I believe the most important aspect of the game is the Giants pass rush vs the Patriots offensive line. If the Giants are able to get pressure on Tom Brady then they will most likely win the game. If the Patriots offensive line can protect Brady then the Patriots will most likely win. In the end, I believe the Giants will prevail and defeat the Patriots 31-17. The MVP will be Victor Cruz.