What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
That there were a string of zeros on the Safeco Field scoreboards was hardly news. Mariners fans are accustomed to seeing a whole lot of nothing.
But Friday’s game against the Dodgers was something special. Seattle went 6-for-0 for the franchise’s third no-hitter, a rare performance that rewarded some 22,000 at Safeco Field and countless more long-suffering M’s fans elsewhere.
The no-hitter isn’t going to turn this team into contenders. But it is a testament to why we keep paying attention. Even during a season that seems to be going nowhere, baseball can surprise, and with a whole lot of nothing provide a unexpected thrill.
2
Change of plans.
Now that the Belmont Stakes is a race for also-rans, most of us will ignore it.
Horse racing enthusiasts don’t want to hear it. But without history riding on the race, without the chance for the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since Affirmed won it back in 1978, today’s jewel has lost its shine.
When news broke Friday morning that I’ll Have Another won’t race because of a tendon injury that ends the colt’s racing career, it was disappointing for casual fans who were looking forward to the drama of a run at history.
But we weren’t the folks gasping or groaning when the news broke. For real disappointment, look at the NBC television network and its advertisers. Look at Portland Meadows, where a Triple Crown shot surely would have attracted more people for the north Portland track’s festivities, and might have sparked some residual interest in horse racing.
Given the stakes, the I’ll Have Another camp should be lauded for not taking a chance and gambling that the horse could race today without dire results. But the buzz around the Balmont is lost. So most of us will ignore it.
3
The good news for Casey Martin: The University of Oregon golf coach has qualified for next week’s U.S. Open.
The more troubling news: He might wind up wearing lightning yellow knickers. Or perhaps a shirt covered with photos of Ducks, and the cast of “Animal House.”
That’s because Ducks football coach Chip Kelly will reportedly choose what Martin wears.
Back in 2009, Martin helped select the uniforms for each football game Kelly’s Ducks played. So now, ahem, the shoe is on the other foot.
