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Most recently published stories in Unbalanced.
Former Somers Pitcher Provides Bio-Mechanical Clinic to Keep Young Arms Healthy
Even though former Somers High School standout pitcher Dan Zlotnick believes the premium on velocity has undone many major league pitchers, he’s all for elevating the mercury at home plate. He just knows there’s a right way to do it and a wrong way. But the clinic he’s providing at the Somers Sports Arena doesn’t quite have an eye on getting ahead of lofty Major League downfalls and aspires to enable kids to keep bringing it home. “We want them to stay healthy because that’s the biggest thing that gets them out of the game,” says the 2009 Somers grad.
Rich MonettiPublished 6 years ago in Unbalanced10 Best Teams to Ever Win the Stanley Cup
There is nothing better in sport than the Stanley Cup playoffs. It is the most intense playoff format, leads to the best moments, and has some of the best traditions. A few examples include Detroit and their octopus throwers, Nashville and their catfish throwers, and of course, the playoff beard. There are four rounds, each series can go to seven games, unbelievable comebacks occur all the time, and overtime is the most thrilling invention, potentially, of all-time. So yeah, nothing compares.
Jesse KinneyPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedMost Beautiful Ballparks in the US
There are 30 different Major League ballparks between the US and Canada. While each ballpark has its own geological features and amenities, some are in need of a major renovation, such as Tropicana Field in Tampa. But then there are the ballparks that stick out because of their craftsmanship and homage to the community. In the late 1990s, new stadiums like Chase Field in Arizona were geared towards a more modern approach. While the swimming pool in right field is a nice touch, Chase Field is now aging poorly with structural issues. Stadiums are now being built with a more classic, retro design to capture the intimacy and essence of a baseball game. Developers like Populous have tried to make ballparks smaller, relying more on views and amenities, getting fans closer to the action. These are the most beautiful ballparks in baseball.
Dave SchneiderPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedNFL Wild Card Weekend
Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs They used to talk about the home-field advantage of the Kansas City Chiefs, like it was a mortal lock that if you walked into Arrowhead Stadium needing a win, you would be disappointed.
Todd PatakyPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedTop 5 Favorite Seattle Seahawks Games
During Week 8 of the NFL, the Seahawks of Seattle were in a professional football contest versus the Texans of Houston in what was, still is, and very well may be, the best NFL game all season. I became a prisoner of the moment for many reasons. “Is Deshaun Watson the best rookie QB we’ve seen?” “Is Russell Wilson the NFL’s leading candidate for MVP after that performance?” “Should Pete Carroll and Darrell Bevell let the reins loose on the offense?” “Is Jadakiss as hard as it gets?” I didn’t ask that last question, only because it’s so blatantly obvious that yes, Jadakiss is as hard as it gets.
Chauncey BalsomPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedIf You're on the Fence About Leaving Your Sport: Read This
From the moment I could walk, I had a basketball in my hands. Of course, I tried almost every sport under the sun from softball to soccer to volleyball but in the end, I knew basketball was my sport. In middle school, I was a leading scorer and in 8th grade, made the game-winning shot to win the championship. During travel ball in the summer, I got more MVP and All-Tournament trophies and medals than could fit on my shelves. In high school, I helped lead my school to the first district championship in girl's basketball and by my senior year, to their first state championship appearance. A lot more happened from my freshman year to my senior year. My name was in the paper, I was interviewed and posted about online, and I played in multiple All-Star games even after my senior season was over. That's just the short version.
Elise SpillerPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedAre Superteams Good for Sports?
Sport produces two types of fans. The casual fan who will take in a game for leisure or simply the aesthetic of the sport. And then you have the die-hard. The die-hard is there week in and week out. They have jerseys, know the players' origin stories, and let them tell that they could run their organization better than management via their fantasy team. Super teams for both sets of fans have differing consequences. On the one hand, the casual fan who is only here to be entertained enjoys the dominance that the Golden State Warriors bring to the table. The die-hard outside of Oakland, of course, hates this scenario. Parity in sport has always been ideal to maximize interest and so profits. The more teams with a realistic chance to reach the pinnacle means a healthy league and in turn a profitable one. While the notion of multiple Hall of Famers joining forces is not new, there is certainly a trend.
Kyle Jordan FergusonPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedA Case for the Warriors as an All-Time Great Team
Perspective is important. Generational perspective in terms of the greats is apparent. Previous generations are often outgrown as the current one evolves and as they refuse to do so. Just as thoughts and ideals evolve, so do sports. The game of basketball has grown inside out. The days of low post dominance have evolved into 30 footers and pick and roll basketball. The game’s attempt to draw a larger international audience has changed the way the game is played. Positionless basketball now has an imprint on the game. Where in the 90s you needed a dominant big man, you now need a guard who can control the tempo. Phil Jackson’s attempt to revamp the triangle in New York is just one example. The league has caught up to conventional styles of basketball philosophy and as the game adapts, so do the players. 20 years prior, Kevin Durant would have been told to bulk up for a lifetime of banging in the post. In 2017, he is a 7'2" guard.
Kyle Jordan FergusonPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedThe Most Famous Sports Rivalries
Isn't it the best feeling when you check your team's schedule and see that matchup with your most hated rival coming up? There's just something about rivalry games, everyone gets excited for them. It doesn't matter where the teams are in the standings, or who's playing and not playing, you know both sides are going to give everything they have for a victory. Rivalries in sports make for the most compelling storylines, the best trash talking, and the most exciting games to watch. Fans become so invested in these types of games and rivalries that if their team loses, it may actually be bad for their health.
Brad GouldPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedThe Best NFL Defenses in History
You know the old saying, "Defense wins championships?" Well, it's true. The offense may be more fun to watch, trick plays and touchdowns are the bees knees, but a great defense is what makes all the difference. Just look at the 2018 Super Bowl as proof. The Super Bowl where both defenses decided to check off "Not Attending" on their invites, the Philadelphia Eagles were able to win due to a key defensive play at an opportune time. There was only one spectacular defensive play all game, and that ended up being the deciding factor.
Jesse KinneyPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedGreatest Quarterbacks of All Time
The NFL is full of legends, including Vince Lombardi, Jerry Rice, and Jim Brown. But at the center of every great team is a legendary quarterback. Each quarterback has their own set of skills, whether it's accuracy, strength, or mobility. But it's also how they lead and how they win games when it may seem impossible. Some quarterbacks will be remembered for their personality and play-ability. And some will be remembered as the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Dave SchneiderPublished 6 years ago in UnbalancedMy 2018 MLB Season Predictions for the National League
The 2018 MLB season has started yesterday and 30 teams all have the hope of playing deep into October and win a world championship. The offseason was made with some significant moves and some teams come into the new season with big aspirations. Who will come on top this year? Who will disappoint? It's now time for my 2018 MLB season predictions. Let's continue with the National League.
Jean-Philippe FournierPublished 6 years ago in Unbalanced