By KEVIN HASKIN
TopSports.news
Musings around the mid-month:
• Sending this column later than usual, but it’s only once Rick Peterson turns 70.
• Celebrating that milestone in Las Vegas last week left me woozy.
• Maybe it was Rick Jr.’s foray on the Strip with pretend law ladies. I won’t divulge pictures, though they exist.
• Good to catch up with what is becoming America’s sports mecca, especially with the widespread legalization of sports wagering.
• Only fitting, I suppose, that the NHRA drag races were in Vegas the same time we were, considering how often all three of us covered the event at now-shuttered Heartland Park.
• Attended a AAA game hosted by the Las Vegas Aviators …courtesy of Topeka’s own Allen Leiker, sports editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
• As you might expect, the Aviators are a flawed ballclub considering they're an affiliate of the Oakland A’s.
• After they suffered another defeat, a team usher said, “Come on back, folks. We’ll win one sometime.”
• For anyone who frequents Vegas, we all live by the same principle.
• Not sure why there’s any angst over Caitlin Clark, her achievements and her transition into the WNBA.
• She’s a transcendent figure in a sport that longs for growth and acceptance.
• Clark paved that path, yet many (including some past greats) seem eager to disrespect her.
• Sure, she’ll have to adjust to pro ball, same as anyone. But I think she’s got the tools, the skills and the charisma to boost her stardom.
• I am sure she can scorch WNBA opponents, too, by connecting from center-court logos.
• And for once, the WNBA is getting a rookie everyone knows and many follow. Clark elevated the college game. To do so at the pro level would be even more remarkable.
• A guy I work with has already purchased tickets to five Indiana Fever games. Full disclosure: he works remotely from Indianapolis.
• Another guy I work with in Topeka ordered Fever gear, watched all of the WNBA draft coverage and is attempting to memorize the Indiana schedule.
• I am on pace to attend a Royals game each month of the season.
• Don’t know that I’ll do so, but Bobby Witt and some competent starters make the Royals a viable entertainment option.
• Is the pitch clock responsible for the rash of elbow injuries among MLB hurlers?
• Perhaps, though the premium on velocity endorsed by the front offices of all teams is as much of a factor.
• The extra oomph prevents pitchers from throwing complete games but squeezes everything from their arms in reduced stints. Is it worthwhile?
• Rather than grouse about the pitch clock, which greatly helps fans stay engaged, perhaps executives should consider where they’ve taken the game.
• And if they care to self-analyze, tell catchers they don’t have to frame pitches that are two feet outside, or practically in the dirt.
• With every snippet of news from the transfer portal, I grow more disinterested in college sports.
• It’s great, though, for those who love to follow recruiting and are enamored with newcomers who have yet to do anything wrong on the court, field, pool or oval.
• While on the subject of can’t-go-wrong newcomers, the NFL draft is next week.
• Thinking the Chiefs will take an offensive tackle while attempting to find an unsung receiver in a later round.
• Then again, defense could take precedence. After all, can’t Patrick Mahomes win with just about any supporting cast as long as Travis and Taylor are around?
• The feature ESPN did on Gary Woodland was quite touching. It was a wonderful look at his recent health scare and comeback.
• I pinch myself sometimes knowing I covered a major champion emerge from Topeka and represent his city with class and honor.
• Also nice to hear Verne Lundquist, on his final Masters telecast, tell viewers there’s no nicer gentleman on the pro circuit.
• Umm, PGA circuit.
• Can we get the differences with the LIV Tour sorted out at some point?
• Or, just continue telling those players that three rounds and a cloud of cash does not make equate to world ranking points?
• Prayers up for Greg Sharpe following his recent cancer diagnosis.
• He and his wife, Amy, former mainstays on the Topeka media scene, are a dynamic couple with the grit and spirit to beat the indiscriminate disease.
• Wishing Greg the best as he takes on this fight while determined to forge ahead as the talented voice of the Huskers.
• Delighted to learn that a special guest Dwight Gooden invited for his Mets Hall of Fame induction was Mike Torrez.
• Topeka’s 18-year MLB hurler proved instrumental 40 years ago in helping Gooden transition into a star pitcher as a rookie.
• Torrez provided constant insights, despite realizing it would lead to his release from the Mets after Gooden began honing his approach.
• Gooden never forgot Torrez’s impact and extended a cool gesture.
