~~ May 2004 ~~

PNC Park's Dimensions Help Dictate Pirates' Roster

Todd Walker lofted a fairly well-hit ball to right field at PNC Park last month. The shot landed in the bleachers, clearing the 320-foot deep, 21-foot tall wall for a home run that helped the Chicago Cubs defeat the Pirates.

Walker, not known as a home run hitter, is just the kind of offensive player who can do some real damage at PNC Park.

He bats left-handed, hits for some power and can get the ball in the air . . . more.....


Reaction To Bertuzzi Incident Illustrates Divide In NHL

On the night of March 8, the National Hockey League already was troubled by a roster full of problems. Ongoing was a contentious debate over rules changes suggested by general managers trying to revive the game's creativity in an era of robotic allegiance to defensive systems; several teams continued a tenuous grip on solvency in a business environment poisoned by monstrous salary inflation; and the most divisive, damaging labor stoppage in league history loomed just six months away . . . more.....


Up Close With Tom Osborne

Former University of Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. His Cornhusker teams won national championships in three of his final four seasons (1994, 1995 and 1997). At the time of his retirement, his .836 winning percentage ranked fifth-best of all time. Osborne discussed his views on faith, religion and sports with PSR editor Tony DeFazio . . . more.....


KidSports Magazine

Actually, the introduction on Page 3 of KidSports Magazine says it all. However, enough is never really enough.

As you can see, Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. has moved forward with the premier issue of KidSports Magazine, a publication unique to parents with emerging young athletes. Although a departure from the editorial mission of PSR, the scope and objectives remain as lofty: excellence in all facets of the publishing process. After being founded in 1996, PSR has created market credibility and visibility consistent with a publication committed to journalistic excellence . . . more.....


Barry In Bronze

Barry Bonds visits Pittsburgh Aug. 10-12. One of these years, when it's apparent that Barry's career is on its last legs, he's going to have to leave something behind when he drops by PNC Park.

His number.

Not the No. 25 he wears for the Giants. That number will be retired soon enough in . . . more.....


End Of Another Steelers' Dynasty

It's a little strange these days for Larry Brown not to see J.T. Thomas on a daily basis. Both had offices in the same building in Edgewood, home of B.T. Woodlipp Inc. Until last month, the two had been teammates for going on 31 years. Brown was already a member of the Steelers when Thomas was taken in the first round by Chuck Noll and his staff in 1973. Together they were part of three Super Bowl Championships. It would have been four had Thomas not missed the 1978 season while battling . . . more.....


Playing At A Higher Level

There was something about this fourth-string tackle at Penn State. He always had a smile and a kind word no matter what was going on around him.

Ron Coder, then a junior guard, decided to find out why Rod Bratton had such an inner peace about him. It was in 1975 that Coder learned Bratton was a Christian - and soon after Coder began playing football for the glory of God. He has committed his life since to trying to lead athletes in that same direction.

Currently Ron Coder is a fixture at the University of Pittsburgh through his . . . more.....


Decision To Sit Out Difficult And Sometimes Impractical

Fast forward to the afternoon of December 24. Christmas Eve, a Friday.

In something of a scheduling/calendar quirk, the National Football League has a nationally televised game that day - just one - Green Bay at Minnesota in a game that could decide not only the championship of the NFC North Division, but crucial playoff seeding and perhaps the all-important home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Now imagine Doug Pederson lining up under center for the Packers in this critical game, or . . . more.....


Balancing Act

Hakeem Olajuwon, the NBA's career blocked-shots leader, is a two-time NBA champion and 12-time All-Star. A devout Muslim and intensely private man, Olajuwon has long-believed that his religious faith served as the foundation to his great career and enhanced his role as a team leader.

In the 1994-95 season, Olajuwon's religious faith impacted his game publicly . . . more.....


Spring Football

The key for WVU will be fifth-year senior QB Rasheed Marshall. The Brashear grad will play behind an experienced offensive line and throw to one of the nation's top receiving corps. Chris Henry is a Biletnikoff Award candidate. The junior uses his strength to establish separation from the defender. John Pennington showcased some acrobatic leaps and great hands. Keep an eye on Eddie Jackson, a Washington-transfer. In addition, blue-ship recruit Brandon Barrett joins the group this fall . . . more.....



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