We’re Back

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

We're Back! MLB

On the TunneySide of Sports July 13, 2020 #804 Up next… “We’re Back!”

After further review… The recent announcement from Major League Baseball (MLB) after it was shut down in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 is “We’re Back!” However, America’s game may not be the same game that you and I admired as kids. Baseball has always been steeped in tradition, perhaps more than any other sport. But don’t kid yourself, this 2020 season will be different than ever before.

Because it will not be the normal-length season, baseball will be able to experiment with many changes — some of which may be retained when the season again becomes normal. This 2020 season is planned for 60 games – Stay tuned!

Here are a few of the suggested changes:

First off, it will be a season played without fans and maybe at neutral locations. The first games are scheduled to start on July 23rd and July 24th. During this season, at some sites, there may be a doubleheader, certainly not new to baseball, but played more often than the usual scheduling in order to get in as many games as possible.

All pitchers, both starting and relief, must face at least three batters before being taken out or at least until the inning is over. No more “Loogy” (left-handed one-out guys).

Some of the other suggestions, and at this writing still to be agreed upon by both the MLB management and the players union, are to eliminate or at least curtail visits to the mound with social distancing in mind.

Both the National and American leagues will use the DH (designated hitter) which was previously used only by the American League. This move eliminates the pitcher as a batter thus providing more offensive power. Pitchers have been notoriously poor hitters.

Challenge time (the time a manager has in order to challenge an on-field ruling) reduced from 30 seconds to 20 seconds.

The “26th man” has now been changed to the “27th man” since rosters have been increased.

Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and since the virus is more likely to be spread from coughing, sneezing, or spitting, it is recommended that there will be none of that in the dugout. Further, it is suggested that players in the dugout may not eat and spit-out sunflower seeds. This is likely to change the lifestyle of many players. Many, too many, chew tobacco and must spit out the juices. This could be a major lifestyle change. (Editorial note – And for the good of all!)

Will you watch “America’s Game” in this pandemic season?

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

Jim’s Bobblehead and books are available at Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c3).

Contact Jim at P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953.

See the above website for details.

Thank You!

Jim Tunney Store

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Looking out for No. 1

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

On the TunneySide of Sports July 6, 2020 #803 Up next… Looking out for No. 1

After further review… The 10–part Michael Jordan review of his life that aired on ESPN during the months of April and May 2020 was a huge success. It is reported to have drawn 5.6 million viewers of which I was one. That number of viewers made it the most-watched documentary in ESPN’s history. I thoroughly enjoyed that telecast.

As a kid growing-up with always a basketball in my hands or at least in my box of athletic gear, I could always be found on our local school playground just shooting baskets, with only a rim, no net, and finding others to play. And of course, only until dark.

When I was a senior in high school our T*E*A*M, tied for the league championship. Matriculating to Occidental College I played four years. After graduating I played in an Industrial league as well as beginning to officiate basketball for the next 30 years at the high school and college levels. I also coached high school basketball for four years. My purpose in describing this was to explain how involved I was in the game.

Although MJ stood out, it was and always will or should be a T*E*A*M (Together Everyone Accomplishes More). Michael’s journey and superb athletic abilities was second-to-none. He definitely made those around him play better. Yet, he was a tough taskmaster with his teammates as he expected them to work as hard as he did and always give their best effort. Once they did, he knew that team could be a winner.

With the 1995-96 season being the best of all-time at 72 & 10, the Bulls complemented Michael with Scotty Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Jack Haley, John Salley, and little-used guard named Steve Kerr. Kerr has quite a basketball history: minimally recruited out of Pacific Palisades High (LA) Kerr was twice All-Conference (Pac-12) guard at Arizona, drafted in the second round (1988) by Phoenix, then traded to Cleveland, then to Orlando, he signed with the Bulls in 1993.

During his time with the Bulls and with M.J, he was assigned to guard #23 in team scrimmages. M.J. proceeded to play “rough” with Kerr his defender. Kerr didn’t back down, but instead stood-up to this legend. M.J. at 6’6” hauled-off and punched Kerr, who was 6’3” (on a clear day).  Kerr fought back. One doesn’t do that to a legend. M.J. said he felt bad punching a littler guy but gained respect for Kerr for standing up to him. Their relationship blossomed after that. Kerr has been successful as a player, team administrator and head coach of the Golden State Warriors with multiple NBA Championships.

Will you stand-up when the time and situation calls for it?

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

Jim’s Bobblehead and books are available at Jim Tunney Youth Foundation (501c3).

Contact Jim at P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, CA. 93953.

See the above website for details.

Thank You!

Jim Tunney Store

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

Crossing That Bridge

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Jim Tunney Ed.D

Health and safety of student athletes

On the TunneySide of Sports June 29, 2020 #802 Up next… Crossing That Bridge

After further review… We all have heard of and perhaps have used the expression, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” It has usually meant “not to worry about a future problem” or “we’ll deal with it when it happens.” Let’s hope that high school and college athletic administrators are not taking that approach when deciding the future eligibility of student-athletes. Further, let’s hope they are ensuring health and safety with the pandemic looming.

With COVID-19 still a worrisome virus and with a concern about the 150,000-plus US deaths in just four months, how can we plan to bring athletes back to campuses and organize team sports and curtail this dreaded disease? Many questions need answering before we resume normal activities. First and foremost, normal activities will not be normal. School administrators need to plan now and not wait to cross that bridge later.

The zillions of fans waiting at home — sheltered in place — want their sports now and are not concerned about how it is done. Yes, the sports public becomes greedy when you take away what has kept them happy. But first and foremost, we must all stay the course to ensure player and student safety. We’re all in this together! You’ve heard that for the last four months.

More importantly, what a pandemic can teach us is to not wait for happiness that comes with the sports and social events we enjoy. Find it in everyday moments. Appreciate the preciousness of a child’s laugh, the dedication of health care providers and first responders, the empathy of a community, and especially the shared love of family and friends. Once you do, no matter amid the best or worst of your days, you will understand the love that lies within.

The lesson we take from this lack of control is to cherish every moment, even the little ones. We don’t have to wait for “play ball” or the referee’s whistle to start the game. Let’s do whatever we can to make our lives, and those around us, better each day. I pray you will be free from the grip of COVID-19. You must believe there will be a day again when you can fully live, not merely survive; and where there is room and a need to enjoy your favorite sport.

Will you make the most of your time during this pandemic to be positive and productive?

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Jim Tunney Store

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