They Will Come!

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

On the TunneySide of Sports March 14, 2022 #891 Up next… They will come!

After further review… ”Oh, yes, Ray, they will definitely come,” said Terence Mann (played by Janes Earl Jones) to Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Costner) in the 1989 movie ‘Field of Dreams’ (yes, folks that was 30+ years ago). Ray was debating whether building this baseball diamond was worth sacrificing his precious cornfields. “Yes, Ray, they (meaning baseball fans) will hand over their $20 without even knowing what they will be getting.” Mann continues, because “besball” (as Mann pronounced it) is America’s game. The “they” is later adjusted to “he” as in “If you build, he will come” meaning Ray’s father, John Kinsella, will come. And, of course, he does. However, we’re not sure the 2022 MLB fans will see baseball this year. Stay tuned!

‘Field of Dreams’ was made for me. My dad, Jim, Sr. and I played “catch” (“have a catch” as Ray said it) many times in our family’s front yard. My ambition as a kid was to be a major league baseball player. It was my field of a dream. There were many in my age group (11-12) who had dreams as there are today. As MLB labor negotiations dragged on as I wrote this, I was reminded that dreams don’t always come true.

While I can’t excuse Shoeless Joe Jackson of the Chicago White Sox for accepting $5,000 contained in a “confidential” envelope and then taking so long to own up to it, I am of the belief that Jackson played to win that 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. The debate goes on.

But how about this MLB 2022 debate? It’s certainly not about $5,000! However, the issue is always the same – $$$$$ – with a lot more zeros tacked on these days. Today’s major league players make a lot more money than Jackson and his 7 White Sox teammates (forever known as the Black Sox Scandal) did. With meetings continuing between MLB management and the MLBPA (the 40 players on each of the 32 MLB teams) for some 99 days of the lockout–neither side seems to be much closer to an agreement.

I am not privy to the terms/issues on that table. However, one of them is the “international rule” whereby a T*E*A*M is able to sign (under the table a 12-year-old from, let’s say, the Dominican Republic and then promises to sign him when he reaches the legal age of 16. The argument to eliminate this practice continues. Some say it will be harmful to the young foreign players.

Breaking News; MLB lockout is Over! A full 162-game schedule is “on” for 2022!

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com. “Impartial Judgment” is now out of print but is available for $20 with free shipping from the website or contact Jim at 2962 Club Rd. Ste #32 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953. It includes Jim’s autograph. 

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. Jim’s Bobblehead includes no tax and comes with free shipping. Use PayPal or mail check to 2962 Club Rd, Ste 32, Pebble Beach, CA 93953. Enjoy your Holidays!

Shop here.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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Who Is In Charge Here?

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Michigan coach Juwan Howard hits Wisconsin assistant coach

On the TunneySide of Sports March 7, 2022 #890 Up next… Who Is In Charge Here?

After further review… As I watched the Big 10 basketball game a couple of weeks ago between the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin played in Madison, Wisconsin the Badgers won the game 77-63. With Wisconsin leading and the game seemingly in hand, Coach Greg Gard, the Wisconsin coach called a time out. As a fan at home, I was not sure why, but maybe he just wanted to insert some of his bench players. This is only a guess on my part. No matter the reason, Gard is entitled to do that. Juwan Howard, the Michigan coach, took it as an insult, saying it’s an unwritten rule – not to be done.

As customary, both teams and coaches line up to shake the hand (some hug) of every member of the opposing team. Coach Howard, angry at the fact that Coach Gard had called that “late” time out did not show up to be in that handshake line, but he was grabbed by the arm by Coach Gard (presumably to shake his hand). Howard taking it as an aggressive move by Gard, turned, pointed his finger at Gard angrily, and slapped Wisconsin assistant coach Joe Krabbenhoft in the face.

With both team members in close proximity, all wanted to be a part of that melee – and did. Howard’s team had lost that crucial game and he was seemingly in no mood for that handshake. But Howard had a sportsmanship obligation to do so. In fact, to me, that’s an important aspect of a coaches’ job – his ability to take a defeat (no matter how stringent) in a true sportsmanship way!

With regard to that “lineup to shake the opponents’ hand”, if you watch closely, you perhaps have noticed the faces and demeanor of each player that they are in that “lineup” because they are ‘told to do so.” Looks to me that it is mostly perfunctory! The players on the winning team are happy to be there. The losers not so much. Some collegiate sports do it. Others don’t.

Many comments have been forthcoming, and commentators are jumping in. One comment was that the conference commissioner ought to get involved. He did. However, the real issue is with the coach himself. In hiring coaches, integrity is as important (to me) as his ability to create a winning team!

Will you log in as to whose responsibility it is to set the tone for good sportsmanship?

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com. “Impartial Judgment” is now out of print but is available for $20 with free shipping from the website or contact Jim at 2962 Club Rd. Ste #32 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953. It includes Jim’s autograph. 

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. Jim’s Bobblehead includes no tax and comes with free shipping. Use PayPal or mail check to 2962 Club Rd, Ste 32, Pebble Beach, CA 93953. Enjoy your Holidays!

Shop here.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

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Mandaloun Replaces Medina Spirit

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

On the TunneySide of Sports February 21, 2022 #889 Up next… Mandaloun Replaces Medina Spirit

After further review…  Just last week the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) declared Mandaloun owned by Juddmonte, an international horse racing enterprise founded by Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Mandaloun the Kentucky Derby winner just as they had declared Medina Spirit, who tested positive in the 2021 Kentucky Derby, ineligible. Mandaloun had finished second. Medina Spirit was found to have Betamethasone, an illegal substance banned on race day in Kentucky. Medina Spirit died in December 2021 following a workout at the Santa Anita racetrack.

Medina Spirit was trained by Bob Baffert who has been suspended for two years by KHRC This would have been Baffert’s seventh Kentucky Derby win. And, of course, Baffert’s lawyer will appeal. Baffert is a hall of fame trainer and if you read his horse racing accomplishments, it is easy to see why. Unfortunately, if you look more closely and were to compare Baffert’s total career wins and suspensions it is obvious it is less than authentic. He has gained the enmity of his rivals who believe he has persistently cheated. These suspicions were fueled by 29 failed drug tests by his horses over 4 decades.

Looks like thoroughbred racing is under the microscope again. I say again because my family has been in California thoroughbred horse racing for the last 70 years. My father, Jim Sr. was recruited by California Thoroughbred Horse Racing Association and served 20 as a Steward at three California Racetracks. Mind you my dad had never been on a horse let alone knowledgeable about racing rules. However, he was a well-respected sports official and could recognize a foul when he saw one. During his 20-year career, he not only recognized what fouls needed correction but was honored for his authenticity.

Further my brother, Peter Tunney, had a similar role for 30 years as General Manager of Golden Gate Fields in Albany, California. Under his careful eye, thoroughbred racing held steady. My son, Michael, worked at those same California racetracks for a lengthy tenure as well. I’ve watched them all closely.

Thoroughbred horse racing officials as well as those who breed, train, and own these wonderful athletes must strive to maintain a high level of authenticity. The public who attends and wagers demand authentic racing.

Will you ensure in everything you do is authentic?

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com. “Impartial Judgment” is now out of print but is available for $20 with free shipping from the website or contact Jim at 2962 Club Rd. Ste #32 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953. It includes Jim’s autograph. 

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Jim’s books include many messages about rules and regulations (remember he was a referee). His bobblehead on your desk or shelf will be a treasure in your office or home. Jim’s Bobblehead includes no tax and comes with free shipping. Use PayPal or mail check to 2962 Club Rd, Ste 32, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.

Shop here.

To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com  or email jim@jimtunney.com.

Posted in Sports, Tunney Side of Sports Columns | Tagged | Leave a comment