Local sports better than big-time in bang for the buck, enjoyment

Written by Joe Kleinsasser Wednesday, 22 August 2007 08:13

There’s a saying that “you get what you pay for.” When it comes to sports, I’m not so sure. Yes, the talent of major college athletic programs and professional sports teams far surpasses what you’ll see in Marion County. But for your money, I’d say the enjoyment value is far greater watching local athletes compete.

With the exception of a few local athletes who have moved on to play for big-time sports programs, most of us don’t know any of the athletes at KU, KSU, Kansas City Chiefs or fill in the blank. There’s something refreshing about watching local kids participate purely for the joy of competition.

The plus for fans is that game tickets and concessions are a whole lot less at the local level, and you are a lot...

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Big sports scandals challenge even the most optimistic fan

Written by Joe Kleinsasser Wednesday, 08 August 2007 06:35

“Life is great,” said my agent I.M. Slick. “It doesn’t get much better than this.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.


Slick: “Did you hear about the trouble Michael Vick is having, allegedly, with dog fighting? Why would anyone that talented and wealthy get involved in something so dumb? And did you hear about the pro basketball referee who allegedly has altered the point spread in some games for gambling purposes? Here’s someone at the top of his profession and he risks losing it all. And I won’t even begin to review the whole steroid controversy involving Barry Bonds, allegedly, and other Major League Baseball players.”

Joe: “I fail to see what’s so great about all of these controversies.”

Slick...

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How Clete Boyer’s death led to thoughts on golf

Written by Joe Kleinsasser Wednesday, 25 July 2007 06:47

The e-mail I received recently from longtime friend Frank Mize was short and to the point.

“I just learned that Clete Boyer died yesterday, which immediately reminded me of you. Would you like to get together for lunch today? It’s my turn to buy.”

Hey, it seemed like a bit of an odd lunch invitation, but since Frank was buying, who was I to argue?

Like many kids growing up in the 1960s, Frank and I were big Yankees fans. We found it easy to jump on the bandwagon of such stars as Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Bobby Richardson, Whitey Ford and Clete Boyer, to name a few. In any case, Frank recently sent an e-mail to me touting golf’s many virtues. He could always golf circles around me, which isn’t saying much since my golf game...

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SIDELINE SLANTS - Player draft hits last-picked kid hardest

Written by Joe Kleinsasser Wednesday, 11 July 2007 08:01

Who would have thought that draft day would become a nationally televised phenomenon? On the other hand, in this age of reality television, perhaps it is entirely appropriate.

Most of us can relate to being drafted, just not on a national stage. Those of us whose school days occurred many years ago know what it was like to be drafted on school playgrounds. It was a mixture of apprehension or anticipation, depending on how talented you were and who your friends were.

Draft day has become one of the biggest days of the year for fans of the National Football League and National Basketball Association. The Major League Baseball draft doesn’t have the same sizzle, largely because few people know the best high school and college baseball...

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