The Good Point

Hall of Fame Archives

Baseball

Calling the shots

There’s nothing more grand in baseball than a home run, which is why the art of the “home run call” for baseball broadcasters is a point of creativity, spontananeity and, sometimes, pride. How the broadcaster describes the big fly ball remains ingrained in our memories, and each subsequent homer adds to the lore, which forces each broadcaster to be unique in the way he or she immortalizes the call.

Hall of Fame

Forming a union for the feeder leagues in Canada

The member clubs of the Canadian Hockey League have been working diligently for over a year to put together a players’ association – all behind the back of CHL Commissioner David Branch. How does this kind of move affect the relationship between the players and the owners? Will we soon be seeing teenagers regularly making six figures a year?

Basketball

Building a “big three” in the NBA

Building a “big three” such as those found in Miami, Oklahoma City and now Los Angeles requires money and a desirable location for all-star-caliber players. Recent history has shown that teams with more than one go-to guy have been wildly more successful than those without, and PJ Carr proves it.

Basketball

Glory Days: Kobe, Jordan, Marv and The NBA on NBC

Perhaps more than any other major sport, the NBA television broadcast has changed drastically over the years. Gone are the likes of team variety and double- or triple-headers, in are star teams and ESPN logos. This hasn’t translated into a drastically larger audience, so is there something better to be done?

Baseball

Celebrating the career of the “Chipper” one

Chipper Jones has long been celebrated as one of the best Atlanta Braves in franchise history. Having played in his final All-Star Game this past Tuesday, Jones’ career is clearly coming to a close, and it’s one that has been plenty successful, even if he’s not as iconic as some of the game’s top stars.

Football

Killing the BCS is a good start for college football

The commissioners of the various NCAA football conferences took the first step toward a complete overhaul of the BCS system last week, debating the merits of a four-team playoff to determine the yearly champion. It’s far from a done deal, but definitely something that many fans of college football are looking forward to.

Baseball

Roy Oswalt: Re-learning the game at Triple-A

When the Texas Rangers brought castoff pitcher Roy Oswalt into the fold and sent him to Triple-A for some grooming, many people scratched their heads. With a starting rotation as good as Texas’, what were they going to do with an aging righty? However, look closer at the numbers and you’ll see that Oswalt’s abilities may be more necessary than expected. Josh Doan breaks it down.

Hall of Fame

The NHL’s Most Respected Player

Nicklas Lidstrom is arguably the most respected man to play in the NHL. His trophy case is as long as anyone’s, and many of the records he holds will stand for decades. With his recent retirement, who’s next in line for that honor? Tim Kolupanowich takes a look at some of the gentlemen-in-waiting, hoping to become the successors to Lidstrom’s title.

Basketball

Boy Meets World: Why everything you think you know about Josh Smith is wrong

Lost somewhere in the accusations of Josh Smith’s inability to co-exist with a coach, stop shooting three pointers or provide any sort of valuable on-court contribution to a legitimate contender is the fact that he’s been the best player on one of the most surprising teams of the past half-decade. And he’s actually a really cool guy. Maybe give him a chance?

Hall of Fame

The modern hockey player’s diet

The sport of hockey is as physically demanding as it is exhausting, which means that it will inevitably take its tolls on the players that play it. As a result, any players who plan on playing the game for the long term fight back with a strong focus on nutrition and the good they put back in their body after a gruelling practice. TheGP Hockey teams up with Victoria Mikhail to explain.