Quick Takes
“I really didn’t say everything I said.” Yogi Berra.
Congratulations to the Cover-Ubble Company on another great fiscal year. I’ve been involved with this privately-held company from its inception three years ago. Barbara Gee, President, is super and funnnnnnnnnnnn.
How do you spell perjury? I spell it Barry Bonds. If the federal grand jury nails him, they can virtually nail a whole bionic team along with Bonds. Remember………a bunch of them testified under oath; there’s an entire line-up duly noted in Jose Canseco’s book. We baseball purists may get our justice yet, along with Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Henry Aaron, Etc.
“They’re limiting beer sales at Yankee Stadium, so they’re requesting that all fans arrive at the park drunk.” David Letterman. (As if New York fans need booze to act uncivilized.)
I just read an article on Steve Garvey written in the L.A. Times on April 9th. The guy is in debt up to his you-know-what, and higher. Lots of kids, some legitimate, and lots of unpaid bills. I don’t feel sorry for Garvey or anyone who lives beyond his means, and then compounds the stupidity with a lack of integrity and morality as he piles up his unpaid bills. Apparently, Garvey is financially destitute, and he had lots of help, namely all the stupid people who extended him credit. Strike three!
The Lakers are certainly not the NBA’s best team, but they’ve accomplished much more this season than I thought they could. Kobe is incredible. And Phil Jackson is simply the best pro coach of all time, and continues to justify that statement:
2004-2005 season; they were 34-48 and no playoffs. Jackson returns this season; they’re a playoff team. The Lakers huge turn-around this season under Phil Jackson is more than simply coincidence!
Story of the Week
THE JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION
April 15 was Jackie Robinson Day. It is an annual event throughout the major leagues on that date to honor Jackie and his breaking of the color barrier 59 years ago. Wife Rachel founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation in 1973, one year after Jackie passed away.
This year’s event reminded me that I’ve never written an article about the Foundation and the marvelous work it does. You can access the Foundation via www.jackierobinson.org. The following is the actual printed ‘JRF Mission’ as stated on the website:
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a public, not-for-profit national organization founded by Rachel Robinson in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his achievements. Serving as an advocate for young people with the greatest need, the Foundation assists increasing numbers of minority youths through the granting of four-year scholarships for higher education.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides much more than financial support. While each Jackie Robinson Scholar receives up to $7,200 a year in financial support, they also become an active member in the Foundation’s unique Education and Leadership Development Program, which is an extensive mentoring program that includes attendance at workshops, assignment of a peer and a professional mentor and placement into summer internships and permanent employment.
JRF is providing $1.8 million in scholarship support to 266 Scholars
JRF Scholars are enrolled at 93 colleges and universities
JRF Scholars represent 33 States and the District of Columbia
JRF Scholars maintain a 97% graduation rate, highest among comparable programs
96 corporations, foundations and individuals currently support the Foundation’s Education and Leadership Development Program (ELDP)
Over 1,100 students from 43 states and the District of Columbia have received scholarships.
Over $13 million in scholarship awards have been distributed.
JRF Scholars maintain a 97% graduation rate - highest among comparable programsin the United States.
Founded in 1986, the JRF Alumni Association (JRFAA) includes over 1,000 graduates and is represented on the Jackie Robinson Board of Directors and Selection Committees.
JRF Scholars are selected by regional selection committees consisting of academic, corporate and civic leaders.
Applicants are selected on academic ability, financial need and leadership potential. Committees are based in the following regions: New York (National), Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New England, and Stamford (CT).
Jackie Robinson Scholars are chosen via a highly selective process by a national selection committee based in New York City and regional committees in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Stamford, Connecticut. The committee, consisting of academic, corporate and civic leaders rate applicants based on the following criteria: academic achievement, leadership potential, a commitment to community service and financial need.
More than 500 corporations, foundations and individuals have supported the Foundation since 1973.
Contributors can support the Jackie Robinson Foundation by sponsoring a Scholar ($10,000 a year for 4 years or naming a Scholar in perpetuity with a $150,000 gift), donating funds outright and/or contributing to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund.
Last Week’s Trivia
The 1968 Detroit Tigers had two future Hall-of-Famers. In addition to Al Kaline, Eddie Mathews played on that team. He had just 52 official at-bats in 1968 and retired after that season, thus ending a brilliant 17-year career.
Trivia Question of the Week
Who was the first man to hit a golf ball that did not land on this planet? See next week’s Sports Junkie for the answer.