Carolina Panthers Season Review/Offseason preview

By:Noah Trombley

To call the Carolina Panthers season a mess would be putting that lightly. The Panthers finished with a 5-12 record for last place in the NFC south. The biggest reason for this record was the inability of the QB position throughout the entire year. Carolina went through 3 QB’s during the season and none of them played up to the standards for what this team was expecting. Sam Darnold played 12 games and finished with a 59.9 comp %, 2527 yards, 9 TD’s/13 Int’s, P.J Walker played 5 games and finished with a 54.5 comp %, 362 yards, 1 TD/3 Int’s, and returning former superstar Cam Newton played 8 games and finished with a 54.8 comp %, 684 yards, 4 TD/5 Int’s. With the news that Tom Brady will be unretiring and returning to the Buccaneers for another season and likely rule the NFC south for another year the Panthers need to the future.  If head coach Matt Rhule wants to keep his job in the Queen City then he’s gonna have to find either a steady veteran or a hot prospect QB in order to keep the fans at least somewhat optimistic about the future. 

The Panthers offense finished with an average of 298.9 yards per game which put them at 30th in the league only ahead of the Texans and Giants. Their leading rusher, rookie Chuba Hubbard, only rushed for 612 yards on 172 attempts and superstar Christian McCaffrey could only add 442 yards as injuries yet again continue to plague his career. 4th year receiver D.J Moore was really the only bright spot on this Panthers offense as he pulled in 93 receptions for 1157 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Panthers next leading receiver was Robby Anderson who only managed to pull in 53 receptions for 519 yards and 5 touchdowns. This Carolina offense needs a spark if they want to start competing for a playoff spot in the coming years. 

The defense for Carolina in 2021 was actually somewhat decent throughout the year. They finished 2nd best in yards given per game (305.9) and gave up an average of 23.8 points per game which ranked them at 21st. The reason for the discrepancy between the points and the yards was that the offense occasionally put them in short fields and they were unable to keep offenses out of the end zone. With that being said there were some players who really stood out for the Panthers including safety Jeremy Chin who finished with 107 tackles, 6 of them for losses, 5 passes defended and one interception, linebacker Hassan Reddick who finished with 68 tackles, 12 of them for losses and added 11 sacks, and linebacker Shaq Thompson who finished with 104 tackles, 9 of them for losses, 2 sacks, and 2 interceptions. 

The Panthers currently have 28 million dollars in cap space.

Free Agent checklist:

  1. Need to re-sign Hassan Reddick, as mentioned he was one of the major bright spots of this team in 2021 and he’s only 27 years old so he can be a long time anchor for this defense. 
  2. Trade Christian McCaffrey, he has become to much of a liability with his health and the Panthers need to trade him now and recoup draft picks while he still has some value on the market
  3. Sign Christian Kirk, Kirk is a solid number two option alongside D.J Moore and they can form a very good WR duo in the Queen City

Draft Day:

RD 1(6): Sam Howell QB from North Carolina, yes i know this might be a little high but fans in Carolina need someone who gives them hope for the future and these fans have been watching Sam for the last three years grow as a player, keep the kid in the state where he became famous and let him receive the love and encouragement from the Carolina faithfull. 

MLB TEAM SONGS

By Mark Halpern

During football season I did a post about NFL Teams and what their team song represents them before the season. Well, this is the Baseball version.

National League East

New York Mets: Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

Atlanta Braves: We are the Champions by Queen

Washington Nationals: The Cheap Seats by Alabama

Miami Marlins: Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys

Philadelphia Phillies: Under Pressure by Queen

National League Central

Chicago Cubs: 99 Problems by Jay-Z

Cincinnati Reds: Summertime Blues by Eddie Cochran

Milwaukee Brewers: Bridge over Troubled Waters by Simon & Garfunkel

Pittsburgh Pirates: Born To be Wild by Steppenwolf

St Louis Cardinals: Rock the Casbah by The Clash

National League West

San Francisco Giants: Here comes the Sun by The Beatles

San Diego Padres: I can Make your Hands Clap by Fitz and the Tantrums.

LA Dodgers: I Love LA by Randy Newman

Colorado Rockies: Call me Maybe by Carly Ray Jaspen

Arizona Diamondbacks: Surrender by Cheap Trick

American League East

New York Yankees: My Way by Frank Sinatra

Boston Redsox: Walk This Way by Arrowsmith

Toronto Blue Jays: I’ve got the Power by Snap

Baltimore Orioles: Wannabe by the Spice Girls

Tampa Rays: I wanna Rock and Roll all Night by Kiss

American League Central

Chicago Whitesox: Don’t you Forget about me by Simple Minds

Cleveland Guardians: Cleveland Rocks by The United States Presidents of America.

Detroit Tigers: Mama said Knock you out by L.L. Cool J

Kanas City Royals: We are the Kids of America by Kim Wilde

Minnesota Twins: Zombie by the Cranberries

American League West

Houston Astros: I’m Sorry by Brenda Lee

Los Angeles Angels: Hungry Like the Wolf Duran Duran

Oakland Athletics: The Show by Lenka

Seattle Mariners: One Fine Day by The Chiffons

Texas Rangers: I fought the Law by The Clash

TIGER WOODS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

By Mark Halpern

TIGER WOODS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

     What does Tiger Woods have in common with Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer, and Bobby Jones? He was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame last Wednesday night before the Players Championship, which is currently going on. Tiger Woods is one of the best golfers ever to play the sport. You felt his tiger growl the moment he steps into a tee box until he picks the ball up out of the 18th hole. Tiger had off PGA issues with certain things, including a scary car accident last year when it was unclear if he would play golf again. This was an easy decision, and let’s look at why.

  Tiger Woods during is amazing time on the tour had 20 hole in ones in his great career (3 that were on tour.)  I have played golf for 20 years and have come very close, but it hasn’t happened. Over his career, Tiger won 82 PGA tournaments which ties Sam Snead for the most ever. Tiger has won 18 major PGA events, two shy of the Golden Bear at 20 wins. Tiger has 20 holes in one in his lifetime (3 came on the tour). Another stat that stands out is that he made 142 consecutive cuts passing Byron Nelson with 113. Tiger likes breaking Nelson’s record as he beat his lowest actual score of 68.33 strokes a round, and Woods finished with 68.17 per round. These are just a handful of records he owns. He has the Green Jacket, the Grand Slam (winning all four major tourts in a year), and countless others.

    I don’t condone driving drunk/impaired and getting into an accident, and a few other discretionary things while off the tour. I am sure it put a sour taste in a lot of people’s mouths and counted him out, but I believe he has seen his ways and now must be the mentor to his son just like his dad was to him, and that is how the old man sees it.

BASEBALL IS BACK

METS UPDATE

By Mark Halpern

Well, Baseball is back, and things are already heating up in New York. After a long 99 day lockout due to the CBA not being done. Both sides finally agreed, and Baseball resumed operations last Thursday. We here at The Sports Insanity Network are thrilled.

     Now that that’s out of the way, Mets fans are finally going to see Jacob DeGrom and Max Scherzer pitch in the same rotation. This is the scariest 1-2 punch since Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling. So, the excitement begins.

   The question on every Mets mind is what Steve Cohen and company will do. At the lockout, the Mets needed at least 1-2 starting pitchers, 1-2 bullpen relievers, and two-position players. The Mets, after four days of lockout, ended made a big trade with Oakland for SP Chris Bassitt and Traded J.T. Ginn (who was a high prospect) and Adam Oller. Bassitt is an all-star pitcher with an impressive fastball, curveball, and changeup. He also mixes in a slider now and then. That was a great trade for both sides, and the Mets now have a 5-man rotation. The Mets also have Tyler McGill and David Peterson, who could earn spot starts, and 1 of them will go down to AAA, whereas one will go to the pen. The Mets also just signed Adam Ottavino today givining them an exrta right arm in the pen. Mike Rifken and I are awaiting a lefty bullpen hand.

     I was hoping for starting pitcher Kikuchi to join the Mets, but Toronto signed him last night. I look at the field of free agents, and I am hoping the Mets get Kyle Schwarber. He would primarily be fixed at the DH, but he can play first and the outfield. With Kris Bryant looking like he could be headed to Seattle, this would be the move for a DH spot with other gains. The movement has been slow on the free-agent market, but I expect things by as early as today for many signings, and that is how the old man sees it.

DALLAS TRIMS THE FAT

CUT COOP LOOSE

By Mark Halpern

With the new season on the brink of starting, many top players from around the league have been cut/released due to the salary cap. At the start of the new season, Dallas was over the cap limit by 20 million. That doesn’t seem like a lot for a football team, but it can mean two good players. 

     The first thing that Jerry and company did was take the high-value contracts of Dak Prescott and Zack Martin and convert a chunk of their salary into a signing bonus. This is nothing new all teams do this to free up cap space. That was enough to get under the cap. However, they still needed more cap room to make plays on re-signing their players, sign a free agent or two and then have the rookie contracts to contend with. Dallas had to do more, and they sure did.

    Like every #1 receiver in Dallas over the last 10-12 years, they have had problems with Wide Receivers and their rants on and off the field. We lived through the Terrell Owens and Dez Saga, and the Cowboys weren’t going to live it again with Amari Cooper. When he came over from the Raiders, Amari Cooper was hungry and wanted to prove that he deserved to be the #1 in Dallas, and he did. He played as best as anyone could, making tough catches and dominating the field. However, sometimes this gets to their heads, and they act out. So, to prevent this, Dallas traded Cooper last night to the Browns for a 5th and 6th round pick, and Cleveland gets Cooper and a 5th. This just freed up 20 million, and every Cowboy fan is watching one thing: free agent Bobby Wagner who has been making goo-goo eyes at Jerry Jones. He is not cheap, but he is still one of the top 5 linebackers in football. So we will see what happens on that front.

    Overall I loved Amari Cooper, but I saw a decrease in his abilities over the last year. Yes, he was injured, and it slowed him down, but there were times this didn’t seem right and listening to his mouth on and off and his stupid comment about Dak. I wish Amari nothing but the best in Cleveland, and I hope Baker and him make some good connections, and that is how the old man sees it.

Eagles Season In Review/ Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

The Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2021 regular season with a 9-8 record, good for second place in the NFC East and wound up with a wild card. In the Wild Card round the Eagles lost to the Buccaneers 31-15. After going 4-11-1 in 2020 the Eagles fired Super Bowl winning coach Doug Pederson. Pederson was replaced by Colts Offensive Coordinator Nick Siriani. The Eagles also decided to make a change at quarterback, trading former second overall pick Carson Wentz to the Colts and riding with former second round pick Jalen Hurts.

In 2020 the Eagles averaged 20.8 points per game, in 2021 Philly averaged 26.1 points per game. Hurts and Siriani led the NFL’S best rushing offense averaging 159.7 yards rushing per game. Hurts in his first full season as the starter had 61.3 completion percentage 3,144 yards 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Hurts also added 784 rushing yards averaging 52.3 yards per game and 10 touchdowns on the ground. There were a lot of talks heading into this offseason that the Eagles had the ammunition to get an elite quarterback like Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson. As of this writing Wilson has been traded to Denver, but Watson is still available. If I was Howie Roseman I would build around Hurts. He deserves the opportunity to continue to start. 

As mentioned earlier Hurts led the Eagles in rushing with 784 yards and 10 touchdowns. Miles Sanders ran for 754 yards in 12 games. Boston Scott had 373 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games. Rookie receiver Devonta Smith led the team with 64 receptions, 916 yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Dallas Goedert had 56 receptions, 830 yards and four touchdowns. Goedert signed a new contract after the Eagles traded Zach Ertz to the Cardinals. One receiver the Eagles are hoping breaks out is Jalen Reagor who had 33 catches for 299 yards and two touchdowns. The reason why the Eagles need Reagor to break out is because right after Reagor was selected in 2020 the next pick was Justin Jefferson who has been sensational for the Vikings. 

The Eagles defense gave up 22.6 points per game. The Eagles were tenth in the NFL in yards allowing 328.8 yards per game. One position the Eagles are going to have to upgrade is their pass rush as they only had 29 sacks in the regular season which was the second fewest in the NFL. 15 of the 29 sacks belong to Javon Hargrave and Josh Sweat. The Eagles defense forced 16 turnovers but had a turnover margin of 0. 

The Eagles have 21 million dollars in cap space. The Eagles could create more cap space by restructuring the contracts of Javon Hargrave and cornerback Darius Slay. Trading offensive lineman Andre Dillard could also create some space.

Free agent Targets

  1. Sign Allen Robinson/ DJ Chark: Philly can use another receiver to pair with Devonta Smith, Quez Watkins and Jalen Reagor. Robinson brings a veteran presence and Chark brings another solid option.
  2. Sign Xavier Rhodes – Rhodes played for Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in both Minnesota and Indianapolis. Rhodes and Slay would give the Eagles a veteran cornerback duo. 
  3. Sign Hasson Reddick : Eagles need to improve their pass rush and Reddick has had 23.5 sacks combined in the last two seasons. 

Draft :

RD 1 (15) : Jordan Davis Defensive Tackle Georgia : The Eagles are reportedly listening to offers on Fletcher Cox. Davis, who was great for the Bulldogs on their way to the National Championship can be a great replacement. Also Davis ran a 4.78 40 yard dash at 341 pounds (just had to get that in there).

RD 1 (16) :  Jermaine Johnson Edge : Florida State: Philly was 31st in the league in sacks. Johnson needs to improve in certain areas and is raw but has a ton of upside that can help the Eagle defense.

RD 1 (19)  Andrew Booth Cornerback Clemson : Philly can use someone to go opposite Darius Slay. Booth brings in good size and length for a team that can use the help on the backend. 

RD 2 (51) Darian Kinnard Offensive Tackle Kentucky: Excellent run blocker who needs some work on pass protection. 

RD 3 (83) Jeremy Ruckert Tight End Ohio State: Has the ability to block and play receiver. Pairing him with Goedert could be big for Hurts development. 

RD 3 (102) : Dylan Parham Center Memphis : Jason Kelce will return for 2022, but who knows beyond that. Parham also has the ability to move to guard.

TWIW – This Week In Wrestling (3/5 -3/11)

By Jeff Knapp

Our thoughts are with Big E, who suffered a broken neck on Smackdown

Shane “Swerve” Strickland (FKA Isiah Swerve Scott in NXT) has signed with AEW

William Regal has signed on with AEW

Tony Khan has stated he will be the booker of ROH

Impact wrestler Jake Something is now a free agent. If he signs with WWE, AEW, ROH or resigns with Impact, we will post that information

“The Walking Weapon” Josh Alexander has resigned with Impact Wrestling

Vader has been announced as the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame

Jeff Hardy is now All Elite

IMPACT – SACRIFICE PPV

Lady Frost vs. Gisele Shaw – Frost connects with a Twisting Moonsault for the pin fall.

Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack – Swann rolls up Bennett for the 1-2-3

X-Division Championship: Trey Miguel (C) vs. Jake Something – Trey Miguel connects with his Flying Meteora for the pin fall.

Eddie Edwards vs. Rhino – Steve Maclin turns on Team Impact and attacks Rhino, allowing Eddie to get the pinfall

IMPACT Knockouts Tag-Team Championships: The Inspiration (C) vs. The Influence – Kaleb slides one of the title belts into the ring, but it’s not clear who he was trying to slide it to. Tenille gets it and hits Cassie Lee with it and then covers her for the pin fall victory to become the NEW Impact women’s tag team champions

Anthony Carelli (FKA Santino Marella) talks to Heath about being an underdog

JONAH vs. PCO – JOHAN lands his avalanche splash for the 1-2-3

Jay White vs. Alex Shelley – White with the submission for the win

Champ-Champ Open Challenge: Deonna Purrazzo (C) vs. Chelsea Green – Purrazzo applies the armbar for the submission. Green ended up with another injury during the match.

IMPACT Knockouts Championship: Mickie James (C) vs. Tasha Steelz – Savannah Evens gets involved again and Tasha “Steals” a victory and is the NEW Impact Knockouts Champion

IMPACT World Tag-Team Championships: The Good Brothers (C) vs. Violent By Design – VBD are your NEW Tag Team Champions

IMPACT World Championship: Moose (C) vs. Heath – Moose nails Heath with a spear for the 1-2-3.

After the match, a returning Josh Alexander comes to the ring and attacks Moose, setting up a match at Rebellion.

AEW – REVOLUTION PPV

PRE-SHOW “BUY-IN”

Kris Statlander vs. “Legit” Leyla Hirsch – After nailing Kris with the turnbuckle metal hook, she connects with a moonsault for the pinfall

Don Callis comes out and says that the Young Bucks wil win the Tag Team championship, and that although he believes Adam Cole will win the AEW World title, that he is just keeping the title warm for when Kenny Omega comes back.

QT Marshall vs. Hook – Hook locks in the Red Rum submission for the victory

Malakai Black, Brody King & Buddy Matthews vs. PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Erick Redbeard – Redbeard gets misted by Black, which allows Matthews to hit a running knee strike and and King to hit a nasty piledriver, which then allows Malakai Black to cover him for the 1-2-3.

REVOLUTION 

Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Kingston – A dazed Eddie Kingston connects with 2 spinning backfists for the win. 

After the match Jericho was supposed to shake his hand, but Chris refuses to and walks out of the ring to boos.

AEW Tag-Team Championship: Jurassic Express (C) vs. The Young Bucks vs. reDRagon – In the end, Luchasaurus flip over the top rope and takes out the rest of the field, while Jungle Boy connects with a sit-down power bomb on Matt Jackson for the 1-2-3.

Face Of The Revolution Ladder Match: Christian Cage vs. Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Ricky Starks vs. Wardlow vs. Keith Lee vs. Orange Cassidy – Ricky Starks and Wardlow are the only 2 men on the ladder. Wardlow picks him up and powerbombs him onto the other ladder, allowing him to get the ring and will face the TNT Champion on Dynamite

Tony Schiavone comes out and announces the newest addition to AEW…Shane “Sw3rve” Strickland who was known at Isiah Swerve Scott in NXT.

TBS Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (C) vs. Tay Conti – Cargill hits her Jaded finisher for the pinfall victory, and she is still undefeated.

Dog Collar Match: CM Punk vs. MJF – This was a brutal match and at the end while both men bled, Punk, who got the Dynamite Diamond Ring when Wardlow “couldn’t find the ring” when MJF asked for it, nails MJF, who falls into the thumbtacks and get the 1-2-3.

AEW Women’s Championship: Dr. Britt Baker (C) vs. Thunder Rosa – Rosa was behind the 8 ball all match, due to interference from Rebel and Jamie Hayter, finally after having to spear Rebel off the apron, Thunder Rosa gets curb stomped while getting back in the ring by Britt for the 1-2-3.

Bryan Danielson vs. Jon Moxley – Danielson has a triangle choke on Moxley, but Jon rolls it over and get the 1-2-3 on Danielson, who is shocked. 

After the match they both continue to fight until…..out comes William Regal, who breaks it up and demands the men shake hands and end it, which they do.

Sting, Darby Allin & Sammy Guevara vs. Matt Hardy, Andrade El Idolo & Isiah Kassidy – Sting jumps off a balcony through a table onto Andrade!!! The ending had Darby hitting the coffin drop onto Matt Hardy for the win.

AEW World Championship: “Hangman” Adam Page (C) vs. Adam Cole – reDRagon and the Dark Order all get involved, but after many 2 and ¾ counts, Hangman connects with his Buckshot Lariat for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Page goes over to a near unconscious Cole and shakes his hand and walks out of the ring.

WWE – RAW

RAW Tag Team Championship: Alpha Academy (c) vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens vs. RK-Bro – Gable goes up for a moonsault but Orton catches him with a RKO, but Randy gets thrown out of the ring by Owens, who hits a stunner on Gable, but then HE gets thrown out of the ring by Riddle, who covers Gable for the 1-2-3 and we have new Raw Tag Team Champions.

After the match, Owens is backstage wondering what happened and what’s next.

24/7 Championship: Dana Brooke w/Regggie vs. Tamina w/Tozawa – Tamina locks Brooke in a Boston Crab but Brooke reverses it into a pin for the win.

Miz TV – Miz w/ Logan Paul who berates Cleveland and talks about their match with the Mysterios at Wrestlemania. 

Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa vs. The Dirty Dawgs – Ciampa knees Roode out of the ring allowing Breakker hits his finish on Ziggler for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Ziggler talks about his match on NXT against Breakker and Ciampa.

Omos vs. Apollo Crews w/Commander Azeez – Choke Bomb by Omos for the pinfall.

After the match Azeez gets into the ring and we have a stare down. I’m guessing this will be a MW match.

Edge comes out and talks about what he did to AJ last week and why. He said he did that because at Wrestlemania he needs the pitbull AJ Styles, not the Styles we’ve seen recently. Edge says by helping Styles he helped himself. He has found a part of himself that he never has before, and he loves it.

Backstage, Owens says he has a plan for Wrestlemania.

Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan vs. Queen Zelina and Carmella (If Morgan and Ripley win, they are added to the tag team title match at WrestleMania) – Vega makes it to the corner to tag out but Carmella is too busy chatting with her fiance Corey Graves at the commentary desk. Ripley hits the Riptide on Vegafor the win.

Finn Bálor vs. Austin Theory – Damian Priest appears out of nowhere and knocks Bálor off the top rope, causing a DQ

Kevin Owens comes down to the ring and talks about how WM this year is in Texas and all the famous WWE superstars from Texas and who he should call out…JBL…NO, Booker T…NO, Shawn Michaels…NO, but there is a man who is a broken-down shell of himself just like the state of Texas. Owens says he knows this guy is watching and he knows he doesn’t have the balls to accept. Owens calls out The Texas Rattlesnake…Stone Cold Steve Austin!!!

NXT – ROADBLOCK

2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Semi-Finals Match: Cora Jade & Raquel Gonzalez vs Wendy Choo & Dakota Kai – Raquel attempts a Chingona Bomb but due to her leg being attacked earlier in the match, she can’t execute it fully due to her leg giving out. Kai connects with a Helluva Kick, and Choo tags in. Choo with a top-rope splash as Kai tags back in and hits a double-stomp off the top for the 1-2-3 and now advancing to the finals

Outside, we see The Creed Brothers have been attacked and are down in a lot of pain.

Tiffany Stratton vs Fallon Henley – When the ref was distracted, Tiffany was attacked by Sarray, allowing Fallon to get the upset victory pinfall

Lash Legend hosts Lashing out with guest Nikkita Lyons – Lash talks trash about Lyons’ family and especially her mom and accusing her of having butt implants. 

Will there be a booty match at Stand and Deliver? 

Last Man Standing Match: LA Knight vs Grayson Waller – Knight positions Waller at the side of the announcer’s table when Grayson punches Knight with a foreign object, laying Knight out across the desk. Waller turns and heads to the top rope and drops an elbow onto Knight, who goes through the announce table. Waller then hangs onto Sanga, who helps him to his feet 1st for the victory

2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Semi-Finals Match: Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro vs Kay Lee Ray & Io Shirai – Shirai whips Carter into a Superkick from Kay Lee Ray, who then hits the KLR Bomb. Shirai is  tagged in and connects with a moonsault for the 1-2-3 and  advances to the 2022 Dusty Classic finals to face Wendy Choo and Dakota Kai

NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Imperium(c) vs MSK – During the match, The Creed Brothers come to the ring and beat up both teams, causing a No Contest

Main Event: NXT Championship Triple-Threat: Bron Breakker(c) vs Tommaso Ciampa vs Dolph Ziggler – Ciampa throws Ziggler out of the ring and looks for a running knee on Bron, but Roode pulls Breakker out of the ring (almost on his head). Ziggler reenters the ring and nails Ciampa with a superkick for the 1-2-3 and is now the NEW NXT Champion!!!

AEW – DYNAMITE

Jericho starts the show in the ring talking about Eddie Kingston and how he regrets not shaking his hand. Eddie comes out and gets deep with the audience about his mental health. This eventually leads to them shaking hands until 2Point0 and Daniel Garcia come out and jump Kingston along with Jericho who has now turned heel. Santana and Ortiz come out to help, but they get attacked by Jack Hager who stays aligned with Jericho. This ends with Jack nailing Kingston with a nasty looking powerbomb over the ropes through a table. Jericho announces the new group as the new group the Jericho Appreciation Society.

AEW World Championship: “Hangman” Adam Page (C) vs. Dante Martin – Page connects with a Buckshot Lariat for the 1-2-3.

After the match,  Adam Cole comes out and says tha at Revolution Page got a fluke win over him, but he wants him next week in a 6 man tag, and that he also won’t stop coming for him and will make his life miserable until he hear the words, “And NEW AEW World Champion.” 

Bryan Danielson & Jon Moxley (w/ William Regal) vs. The Workhorsemen – Danielson with a submission on Drake for the win

After the match Tony Schiavone Interviews William Regal says it’s been 29 years since he’s been on TBS with him doing an interview. He talks about fighting the demons within himself and outside forces throughout the years. He mentions both Moxley and Danielson being two of his pupils. He says his main goal is to help people become better in the sport of pro wrestling and that Danielson is the wrestler he should have been and calls Danielson the perfect wrestler. Regal then talks about his past with Moxley and then vows that the two will be stepping on anyone who gets in their way.

Adam Page is backstage with the Dark Order. They are excited about tagging with Adam, but Adam informs them that he chose the Jurassic Express. I see something happening down the line with this.

Wheeler Yuta vs. PAC – PAC locks in his brutalizer submission fir the win.

Adam Cole, reDRagon & The Young Bucks are backstage. The Bucks think Cole is going to choose them to tag against Page, but they aren’t going against Page, but Cole informs them he was choosing reDRagon anyways.

FTR Fires Tully Blanchard

Back in the ring, we have the A.H.F.O. and Matt Hardy talking about how Andrade El Idolo wants to fire him from the company he started. They vote on it and Private Party gives the thumbs up, but when Hardy turns back around they have their thumbs down.  This leads to Private Party, The Butcher & The Blade & Andrade all beating down Hardy together. This brings out Darby Allin and Sting. Just as they are getting attacked, out comes Jeff Hardy for the save and the crowd absolutely erupted. Jeff hit a Swanton on The Blade and the A.H.F.O. retreat.

It looks like Tony Nese will wrestle Shane “Sw3rve” Strickland in his AEW debut match on Rampage.

Wardlow comes out and says he’s done with MJF & The Pinnacle and wants out of his contract.

AEW World Tag-Team Championships: Jurassic Express (C) vs. The Acclaimed – The JE connect with a springboard Lariat on Bowens for the pinfall

Jade Cargill issues an open challenge for the TBS Women’s Championship and wonders after going 30-0, who’s left?

“Legit” Leyla Hirsch vs. Thunder Rosa – Rosa connects with the Thunder Driver for the 1-2-3 and we are now informed that she will face Britt Baker once again for the Women’s title next week, but this time in a steel cage

Main Event: TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara (C) vs. Scorpio Sky – Paige VanZant gets involved and attacks Tay Conti, which leads to Sammy turning his focus away and allows Sky to hit the TKO for the 1-2-3 and is now the NEW TNT Champion.

After the match Paige Van Zant lays out Tay Conti again and signs her new AEW contract.

IMPACT

The show starts with Josh Alexander in the ring. He says he’s obsessed with getting revenge on Moose and getting his hands on the IMPACT World Championship. He talks about how he was sent home by Scott D’Amore and after spending several weeks at home with his family, he thought to himself that he might never get to return or get his hands on Moose and the IMPACT World Championship. He can now  says that on April 23, 2022 he will finally get his hands on Moose and the IMPACT World Championship at IMPACT Rebellion.

Honor No More come out and to confront Josh Alexander. Eddie Edwards talks about how Josh was handed everything and why he’s with HNM. Things get heated until HNM tries to take out Alexander until Willie Mack, Rich Swann, Heath and Rhino even up the number.

Kenny King vs. Willie Mack – Mack hits the Numba One Stunna, followed by a Six-Star Frogsplash for the pin fall victory.

Moose is backstage talking to Scott D’Amore about the match at Rebellion. He says he hasn’t signed it yet and his lawyers are looking it over. Scott informs him that if it’s not signed by next week, then he’ll be stripped of the Impact World Championship.

X-Division #1 Contenders match:John Skyler vs. Ace Austin vs. Crazzy Steve – Ace hits a blockbuster on Steve for the 1-2-3. 

Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans & The Influence vs. Mickie James, Chelsea Green & The IInspiration – Mickie James connects with a DDT on Tasha for the pinfall.

We are informed that next week we will see The Motor City Machine Guns vs Jay White & Chris Bey

Josh Alexander approaches Scott D’Amore backstage and asks for a match against Eddie Edwards, but he’s told to focus on Moose, but he’ll be able to wrestle Matt Taven next week.

We also find out that Deonna Purrazzo will put both her AAA & ROH Women’s title on the line next week against Gisele Shaw and Lady Frost. 

Rich Swann vs. Eddie Edwards – Eddie connects with a Boston Knee Party and hits his Die Hard Driver for the 1-2-3.

WWE – SMACKDOWN

Brock Lesnar starts the show coming to the ring and demanding that Roman Reigns get out there. Paul Heyman comes out and tells Brock that Roamn isn’t there tonight and Brock asks Paul, since Roman isn’t here, who’s going to protect you? Brock chases Paul up the ramp and into the back, but Paul gets away.

We go backstage where Sheamus and Ridge Holland introduce us to an old friend of theirs….Pete Dunne, well, sort of. His name is now Butch. No Comment

Ridge Holland & Sheamus w/ Pete Dunne vs the New Day – Sheamus connects with a Brogue Kick on Kofi for the pinfall  ***During a spot, Big E was severly injured. My thoughts go out to him***

Six-Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & the Viking Raiders vs the Happy Folks & Jinder Mahal – No Contest – Before the match started, Happy Corbin, Madcap Moss, Jinder Mahal and Shanky attacked the Viking Raiders. This turns into a 4 on 1, but Drew evens the odds with his sword.

Ronda Rousey comes out and addresses Charlotte’s comments that Ronda is a one-trick pony as she “only” has the arm bar. Flair comes out and they bicker back and forth. Eventually Charlotte leaves the ring and Ronda tells Flair that at WrestleMania, she’s either going home with Flair’s arm or she’ll make her tap out.

Natalya & Shayna Baszler vs Naomi & Sasha Banks – When Carmella and Zelina try to get involved, Sasha sends Natalya into Vega allowing her to connect with a basement codebreaker for the 1-2-3.

The Usos come out and talk about their accomplishments and the lengths of their title reigns and Roman’s as well. They then complain that management doesn’t have an opponent for them when Rick Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura come out. If Boogs win, he, and Nakamura will get a title shot at Wrestlemanina

Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso vs Rick Boogs w/ Shinsuke Nakamura – Boogs hit a pump handle slam for the win, giving Boogs and Nakamura a tag team championship match at Wrestlemania.

Main Event: Intercontinental Championship match: Ricochet(c) vs Sami Zayn – Before the match Austin Theory comes out and gets in Pat McAfee’s face and slaps him again until Pat starts to beat up Theory.

Ricochet goes to the top and connects with the 630 splash for the 1-2-3.

Back in the parking garage, we see Ronda and Charlotte going at it. Flair seems to get the upper hand until security pulls them apart to end the show.

AEW – RAMPAGE

Darby Allin vs. Marq Quen – Darby applies the Fujiwara armbar and cracks it harder until Quen taps out.

A.F.O.come out to attack Darby and Sting until The Hardy Boys come and and the A.F.O. think twice.

We are informed that Scorpio Sky will put his TNT Title on the line next Wednesday against Wardlow.

Mercedes Martinez vs. Jamie Hayter – While the ref is distracted, Britt Baker takes out Mercedes, allowing Jamie to connect with a lariat for the pinfall.

After the match Britt Baker attacks Mercedes until Thunder Rosa comes down with a chair to make the save.

Hikaru Shida has a vignette stating that now she’s back, and she’s going to be Serena Deeb’s worst nightmare.

Keith Lee vs. QT Marshall –  Keith Lee nails a move that’s similar to the Jackhammer, but with the opponent on his shoulder. for the 1-2-3.

After the match, Aaron Solo and Nick Comoroto try to take out Lee, but get destroyed. This brings out Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs, who end up taking out Keith Lee with a spinebuster.Main Event: Tony Nese vs. Shane “Sw3rve” Strickland – Scott picks up the pinfall after connecting with a top rope stomp.

Bears Season In Review/ Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

The 2021 Chicago Bears finished the season with a 6-11 record, which was third in the NFC North. After the season the Bears fired GM Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy. Pace who had been the Bears GM since 2015 and the team had a 48-65 record, including 0-2 in the playoffs. Nagy was also 0-2 in the playoffs but in his four seasons with the organization he had a 34-32 record. Nagy went 12-4 in his first season and never had a winning season again.  The Bears hired Ryan Poles to be the team’s new General Manager. Poles was the executive director of player personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, but spent the prior 13 years there doing various other jobs in player personnel and scouting. To replace Nagy the Bears hired Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Eberflus had been the Colts defensive coordinator since 2018, before that he was the Linebackers coach for the Browns and Cowboys.

Their first goal is going to be to fix this offense that averaged 18.3 points per game. Poles and Eberflus are inheriting second year quarterback Justin Fields. Fields who the Bears moved up to get in the 2021 draft and included their first round pick this year to get him. Fields played in 12 games last season he had a 58.9 completion percentage , 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, while also adding 420 yards and two touchdowns rushing. In the 12 games Fields played he was sacked 36 times, the Bears as a team gave up 58 sacks. 

Running Back David Montgomery had 849 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games played last season. Montgomery also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as last season he had 42 catches for 301 yards. Khalil Herbert added 433 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. The 2021 sixth round pick must have shown enough because today the Bears announced the release of veteran running back Tarik Cohen who was coming off a torn ACL in 2020 and didn’t appear in a game in 2021.

The Bears are going to have to replace receiver Allen Robinson who is likely to leave as a free agent. Robinson had a rough 2021 with just 38 catches for 410 yards and a touchdown in 12 games. In four seasons with the Bears Robinson had 293 catches for 3,561 yards and 18 touchdowns. Darnell Mooney led the Bears with 81 catches for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver is going to be a position to target for Chicago this offseason. 

When you think of the Chicago Bears you think defense. The Bears defense in 2021 gave up 23.9 points per game. The Bears defense was sixth in yards allowed allowing 316.7 yards per game. They were fourth in sacks with 49.0 led by Robert Quinn’s 18.5 which was second in the NFL. The Bears had a -13 turnover differential tied for 29th in the NFL. Their defense forced 16 turnovers. Khalil Mack. The Bears defense was sixth in yards allowed allowing 316.7 yards per game. They were fourth in sacks with 49.0 led by Robert Quinn’s 18.5 which was second in the NFL. The Bears had a -13 turnover differential tied for 29th in the NFL. Their defense forced 16 turnovers. The Bears decided to make a change on their defense, trading star edge rusher Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for a 2022 second round pick and a 2023 sixth round pick. Mack had six sacks but was limited to seven games due to getting surgery on his foot. In four seasons in Chicago Mack had 36.0 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. The team announced on Friday they were releasing defensive tackle Eddie Goldman. Goldman, a former second round pick has 174 tackles, 13 sacks and two fumble recoveries in six seasons with Chicago. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is also an impending free agent. Hicks in 2021 had 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, three and a half sacks, and nine QB hits. In six seasons in Chicago Hicks had 40.5 sacks. As for guys who will be on the Bears defense in 2022 linebacker Roquan Smith led the team with 163 tackles, three and a half sacks, 12 tackles for loss and an interception. Robert Quinn was second in the NFL with 18.5 sacks.

The Bears entered the offseason with 27 million dollars in cap space. By trading Mack the Bears created 6.15 million dollars, but created 24 million dollars in dead cap. By releasing Eddie Goldman the Bears created another 6.7 million dollars. 

Free Agent targets

  1. Re-sign James Daniels/sign Eric Fisher – The Bears offensive line gave up 58 total sacks in 2021.  They need to clean that up, Daniels was very good for them last year and Fisher, a former number one overall pick can replace Jason Peters at left tackle. 
  2. Sign JuJu Smith – Schuster and Emmanuel Sanders : With Allen Robinson likely to depart via free agency the Bears can replace him with two receivers. Smith – Schuster coming off a torn ACL but is still only 25 years old and could be very important to Justin Fields development. Sanders brings a veteran presence to the locker room and is a reliable receiver. 
  3. Sign Quinton Jefferson, Jarran Reed or Larry Ogunjobi : With Akiem Hicks being a free agent and Eddie Goldman being released Chicago has a need in the middle of their defense. All three of these players are coming off of very good years.
  4. Sign Bryce Callahan and Xavier Rhodes : Callahan is one of the better slot corners in the NFL and a return to Chicago could help the Eberflus led defense. Rhodes played for Eberflus in Indianapolis and could reunite with him in Chicago .

Draft

RD 1 : Traded to Giants for Justin Fields.

RD 2 (PK 39): Arnold Ebiketie – Edge Penn State: Now if one of the Ohio State receivers are here that’s the pick. Ebiketie is a skilled and disciplined pass rusher. He won’ t be Mack but has a lot of upside. Other names to watch : Damone Clark linebacker LSU, Roger Mccreary cornerback: Auburn, Justyn Ross Receiver Clemson

RD 3 (PK 71) : Christian Harris – Linebacker Alabama: When you think Bears you think defense and Hall of Fame linebackers. Names like Butkus, Singletary and Urlacher. Harris is a long, athletic linebacker who is great at stopping the run, not really a pass rusher. Other names to watch: Tyler Smith Offensive Tackle Tulsa.

End Of An Era: Seattle Seahawks Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2021 regular season with a 7-10 record, last in the NFC West. Seahawks fans will not forget the date March 8th, 2022. They won’t forget the day because it truly is the end of an era for the Seahawks as they traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and released All – Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner.  Last offseason there was drama surrounding quarterback Russell Wilson and the chance he might want out of Seattle, that didn’t happen. Wilson in 2021 had a 64.8 completion percentage, 3,113 yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions in 14 games played, Wilson had missed three games after surgery on his finger after banging it on an opponent’s helmet. Wilson, a former third round pick out of Wisconsin has a 65.0 completion percentage 37,059 yards, 292 touchdowns and 87 interceptions in his career and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title. 

In his Seahawks career Bobby Wagner registered over 100 combined tackles every year since he was drafted in 2012. Wagner has been named First team All Pro six times, and Second team twice. Twice in Wagner’s career he led the NFL in tackles and was named to the NFL 2010’s All Decade Team. 

In exchange for Wilson the Seahawks received Quarterback Drew Lock, Tight End Noah Fant, Defensive Lineman Shelby Harris, two first round picks, two second round picks and a fifth round pick. Lock, a former second round pick in 24 career games, has a 59.3 completion percentage, 4,740 yards, 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Now I don’t think Lock will be handed the starting job, but he will compete for it and at 25 years old there is still a chance Lock figures things out. Fant, a former first round pick has 170 catches for 1,905 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career including a career high four last season. Fant gives whoever the quarterback might be another solid target. Harris tied a career high with six sacks last season. Harris has had six sacks in two of the last three seasons, the Seahawks as a team had 34 sacks. I will get to how I would utilize the picks later, but I do think the Seahawks made the right call on trading Russell Wilson. I think they made the right call. It’s very similar to what the Lions did with Stafford last offseason. While Lock isn’t Goff there is a potential upside to Lock. If you look at the NFC West the other three teams made the playoffs with two of them ( Rams and 49ers) playing in the NFC Championship game. The other part is the draft picks. The Seahawks traded away two first round picks to acquire Safety Jamal Adams and needed to recoup those picks. The other part is me personally. I don’t believe the Seahawks have a Super Bowl roster whether Russ is on the team or not so you trade him and get something back for him. 

Seattle’s offense averaged 23.2 points per game. The Seahawks were eleventh in the NFL averaging 122.0 yards rushing per game and averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Chris Carson was limited to four games due to Neck surgery. In those four games Carson had 232 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 58.0 yards per game. Former first round pick Rashaad Penny was a beast down the stretch he had 671 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and six touchdowns over his last five games. Penny is a free agent but Seattle had to like what they saw down the stretch, Penny does have an injury history but there is a deal to be had. 

Seattle has one of the best receiving duos in the NFL with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Lockett had 73 catches for 1,175 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Metcalf had 75 catches for 967 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Unless Seattle wants to truly blow this thing up these two guys are what you are building around. Now if there is an offer they are blown away by we can have a conversation but for this I would keep them both around. 

The Seahawk defense was 28th in yards allowed giving up 379.1 yards per game. They gave up 21.5 points per game. The Seahawks were 10th in turnover differential with a +5. 2020 first round pick Jordyn Brooks led the team with 184 tackles, which was second in the NFL, but was first with 109 solo tackles. Safety Quandre Diggs led the team with five interceptions. Diggs, an impending free agent, broke his fibula during the last game of the season. Former trade deadline acquisition Carlos Dunlap led the team with 8.5 sacks. 

Seattle had about 35 million dollars in cap space, by Cutting Wagner they saved 16.6 million dollars. 

  1. Re-sign Rashaad Penny – If Penny can stay healthy he showed what he can potentially be down the stretch. Pairing him with Chris Carson could make them a dynamic duo running the ball.
  2. Re-sign Duane Brown – Whoever the quarterback is, you have to protect them. Brown is 36 so maybe a two year deal can be made. Another name they could look at is Eric Fisher.
  3. Sign DJ Chark or Jamison Crowder- I mentioned earlier Lockett and Metcalf are one of the best duos in the NFL. If you watched the Super Bowl the Bengals got there on the strength of a good trio and with the Rams potentially bringing back OBJ the Seahawks have to find themselves a solid third receiver.
  4. Sign Charvarious Ward – DJ Reed is a free agent Ward has a lot of upside coming from Kansas City and can help the secondary.

Draft 

RD 1 (9) Malik Willis – Quarterback Liberty: With the ninth overall pick the Seahawks can go in plenty of directions. Edge rusher if one falls, cornerback, Offensive line instead they get the guy who can hopefully be Wilson’s replacement. Names to watch Charles Cross Offensive Tackle Mississippi State, Derek Stingley Cornerback LSU, 

RD 2 (40) Lewis Cine – Safety Georgia : If Quandre Diggs walks, Cine would be a nice replacement. Cine is a big hitter and pairing him with Jamal Adams could be a nice safety duo.

RD 2 (41) Kyler Gordon – Cornerback Washington : Big, athletic corner who can replace DJ Reed if he leaves. The Seahawks should have an advantage on the former Husky who ran a 4.52 40 yard dash at the combine.

RD 3 (72) Myjai Sanders – Edge Cincinaitti: High upside but needs to work on some things. But feels like a player Seattle would take a chance on. 

In 2012 Wilson and Wagner were drafted together and 10 years later they were both let go by the Seahawks. So it truly is the end of an era for the Seahawks and let’s see what the future holds.

Rick Zolzer The Voice of the Hudson Valley Renegades

By Mark Halpern & Lawrence Lang

Rick Zolzer 

The Voice of the Hudson Valley Renegades Of the Hudson Valley Renegades

By Mark Halpern & Lawrence Lang

A few weeks ago, Lawrence “Patch-man” Lang and I (Mark “Old Ops Guy” Halpern) wrote an article regarding the sale of the Single-A Baseball Club the Hudson Valley Renegades and did a direct interview with President Steve Gliner. This article is about the one true voice of the Hudson Valley Renegades.

     We all know that baseball has become more of a business these days than a sport of just enjoyable fun. Fun is an interesting word to use. I mean, why go to the ballpark if it’s not to have some fun in more ways than one. For more than 25 years, Rick Zolzer, known as “THE ZOLZ,” has been the PA announcer for the Hudson Valley Renegades and for several years he is also serves as the Vice President of the club. The Hudson Valley Renegades are a High A full season team and a New York Yankees Affiliate. 

MARK HALPERN: “Please tell me how you got to where you are in the Renegades Organization?”

Zolz: My first season with the Renegades was in 1994 when I was a part-time PA announcer. In 95 I worked fulltime for the club for one year and was fired after the season based on a very shaky relationship with the GM at that time. I returned as a Part-Time Announcer in 1999 while my real job was the head of special events and marketing for the YMCA in Poughkeepsie. A few years later, I was brought back fulltime to take over the Renegades Special Events and Promotions department. After several more years then GM Eben Yeager, elevated me VP, and that’s where I am today.”

    When you go to a major league stadium, the PA announcers really can’t do more than announcing players names & sponsorship reads.

In Minor League Baseball, a good PA Announcer needs to have a personality, and that is something Zolz brings to the Ballpark every game. I have worked for the man personally, and he is the person who can make you hate him one moment but then love him the next. This is what it takes in baseball because if you can’t motivate your people, on either side of the coin you’re not going to last very long and he’s been around for 28 years and counting.

Mark Halpern: What is one moment from your time as the Renegades PA you remember the most?”

Zolz: “I got thrown out of a game in 1995. In any given game, no make that ten games, how many times do you see a balk called? There had been three balk calls in the first few innings. So, I start playing some funny tunes and noises that were subtly directed at the umps. Now back then, there used to be a phone that was in the first base dugout that the umpires could call up to the booth. So, I got into heated little chat with one of the umpires. You could hear the team and crowd ragging on this umpire, frankly with good reason. I said to the umpire “in all my years being in baseball; I have never seen so many balks called. I know you are trying to get noticed, but this isn’t the way to do it.”  So, I turned my mic on so the fans could hear what I was saying to this guy.ner hea His partner heard only one half of the argument and went sprinting to the dugout to tell his partner what was going on – He said he would throw me out of the game if I did it again and I said to him “there is no way a guy who went to his senior prom 4 months ago can run me”…The crowd got angrier and he said enough – I knew I was at the line so I shut up turned off my microphone and we all got back to baseball. An inning later they call the 4th balk and I said nothing – Once the 5th balk was called, I said on the PA “Are you kidding me? The only way either one of you two gets to the big leagues will be if you buy a ticket!” At this point the guy on the bases reaches all the way down to his feet and tosses me out – I figured I was going to get fired so better make a statement on the way out. Instead of going down the back way in shame I go out the front window and wave to the crowd! At the bottom of the stairs a bunch of fans carried me out of the 1st base breezeway. The team was down at the time, came back to win the game then all chipped in to pay my fine. Local cable news got it on the air and it then ended up on live at 5 with Len Berman then being the bumper of the NBC Network news broadcast and finally in Sports Illustrated….Man I got a ton of millage out of that and last year I got a bobblehead to commemorate it

Halpern: “So in today’s world, you went “Viral?”

Zolz: “Yes, I definitely went “Viral” that night.”

    Last year The Hudson Valley Renegades celebrated this moment by creating a Bobblehead of Zolz leaning out of his Press Booth and waving goodbye to the crowd. I am proud to say I not only have one, but it is autographed on my shelf.

   Now I mentioned earlier that Zolz is a great events and promotions coordinator. He has been involved with countless promotions and sponsorships over the years. Like anyone who works there, Zolz is about fun; however, he is very business oriented. Whether running youth baseball camps during the summer or hosting a slew of special events during the on and off-season, Zolz has got a full plate.

Halpern: “Now that you are a New York Yankee affiliate and no longer a Tampa Rays affiliate, do you think companies (new and old) will be more willing to buy advertisements and other promotional sponsorships?”

ZOLZ: “I can tell you this, people who used to be a part of the Renegades corporate family with us back in the day have been calling me wanting to return to part of this exciting change. I am actually getting ready to go to a meeting with a long-time client after this.”

      Nothing against the Tampa Rays organization, but when you put the most popular Baseball franchise in Baseball history anywhere, it will draw attention. Dutchess Stadium is about an hour and twenty min from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx so, you know that many of the people will be chomping at the bit to come to watch the Baby Bombers  play.

      With the former owners, The Goldklang Group selling the team to Diamond Baseball Holdings, Lawrence Lang was interested in knowing how Zolz felt about the sale.

Lawrence Lang: What was your reaction to the sale of the club, and what do you think of Diamond Baseball Holdings?”

ZOLZ: “I wasn’t surprised, it has been very tough on ownership over the last few years with covid and it very tough to make money. So, our old owners saw a great business opportunity and took it. For them and the community this is a great mood. I met Peter Freund of D.B.H. a couple of times at our Goldklang meetings, and he is a great guy, funny, and very savvy.

    Whether they are Sports Franchises or mom and pop stores, companies have been suffering due to the pandemic. Many stores and businesses that have been around for years had to close their doors based on the ripples in the water from this issue. So, business decisions are what they are, and it is meant to be what’s best for the company. Lawrence and I are very excited to see what D.B.H. will do not only with the team but with the stadium. The stadium was completely refurbished with new seats, lighting, food areas, suite rooms for rent for games, and the esthetic is getting better every year.

Zolz is also in charge of the Fun Team which is a group of interns from colleges all over the northeast who help do all the wacky antics on the field, in the stands, and at the front gate during the season. Zolz and his crew work very hard to create an atmosphere that will create smiles and memories for families from all over the Hudson Valley.

     So, who doesn’t love on the field games in between innings of a baseball game?  Even games after the game are a important part of the show at the Dutch. For as long as Lawrence and I can remember all that fun and action is one of the main reasons they have been so successful all these years. From being an intern and working fulltime for the Gades I have seen so many games take place during a game that were a huge hit with the fans and there are a few that come to mind that I can remember in particular that always hit the mark. 

Let’s Make a Deal – seems simple right? Zolz will say, “let’s make a deal” whether it’s a $2 bill, a candy bar that has not been unwrapped yet, or an ugly driver license photo, if you have what he is looking for you better get your butt to the PA booth. Here is where it gets funny cause Zolz will give directions to his booth, and people still fail to listen to him (are you kidding me in the words of Zolz) and can’t find it or bring the wrong item (and he will let them know on the mic). People who sit in front of the PA Booth have to take an extra step .He says to make it fair since you are so close because he will remind them they must go all the way down the stairs and come back up to win whatever he is looking for. From experience being up close, people are always jockeying for position to get up the stairs as if it was a Black Friday sale at Target to win. The best part is that if you screw up, Zolz will call you out and they will be promptly booed by the crowd. Let’s Make a Deal is a staple at the Dutch and ridiculously popular based on its simplicity. 

Stroller Derby: This game takes me back to my days as a kid because it was my favorite game that Zolz and the fun team did, and the game still comes around once and a while to this day because it was such a great game. Three guys are given a stroller and a baby doll in a simple concept game. Their goal is to race each other to a changing station. They must change the doll diaper off, clean its bottom with a baby wipe, put a new diaper on, and then put the baby back in the stroller and race to the finish line. One night, an interesting case happened with this game and was something me and Zolz reminisced on this moment a while back because we both remembered it. 

The game started as usual as all three guys got the job done with changing. One guy got a little quick for himself, tripped over feet, and beefed it on the ground. The gentleman preceded to get up and try to cheat to win and Zolz called him on it and DQ him. The good old K-word came around karma. The gentleman forgot to dump his stroller and the baby fell out of the stroller and of all things the baby doll head came off. Hence, in Zolz fashion, he made a joke to send fans into laughter. Now the events after are what makes this game memorable. Just seeing the events that night makes this game rememberable because this game, anything can happen at any time, and if something does, Zolz will be there with the call.

Tennis Ball Toss: This game has been a staple at Renegades games ever since I remember going as a fan. This simple game usually happens after fireworks. The game is simple: hula hoops are scattered on the infield, usually down the first and third baselines, some at second base, and of course, Rascal, who is seated right in front of the pitcher’s mound with his big bucket. You toss the tennis ball from either the first or third base seats, and if you win, you get a prize. Prizes have ranged over the years from tickets, movies, gems to even a tv. Usually, if a big prize was given out one night, the hula hoop was placed way out behind second base (must work for the prize because Zolz wouldn’t make it that easy for you to win the big prize). Now, if a big prize was not given out a night for tennis balls, that’s where Rascal comes into play with his bucket. If you got it in his bucket, you won all prizes given out for that night. Now a sight to see his hundreds of tennis balls thrown at once on the field going in all directions, whether it was at the hula hoops, interns, Rascals, and his bucket, or even Zolz.

(because who wouldn’t want to peg him with a tennis ball if you had the chance? You might get the Medusa stone stare of death if the hit was pulled off, but he would laugh it off after the stare). This was just a simple game that was easy to pull off and has been a success ever since its inception. The only thing that sucked for this was as an intern and helping Rascal was to clean up something that still gives nightmares occasionally because it was a pain to clean up 1,000+ tennis balls and collect them for the next time.  

Pokémon (The Grid): The last game that gets the crowd pumped up is Pokémon. Simple, you have a bunch of mascots out on the field, whether it was Captain America, Iron Man, Lego Batman, Mario, and Luigi, a Poop Emoji, Rascal, to occasional Intern who broke loose from its shed even the fan-favorite Pikachu was here for this game. Three Kids are given three giant pokeballs to throw around and try to catch all the mascots they can in a 60-second time frame by hitting the mascots with a Pokeball. What makes this game the good old term will take from pro wrestling: the oversell. What makes the game is the mascots overselling being hit by the Pokeball cause the game is there for the kids but also to put on the entertainment aspect as well because who doesn’t want to see mascots fall in theater-like performance and speaking from experience if you get the oversell to work you will stand out. The crowd will love you because you did your job.   

Another advantage of being the great Zolz is that he has announced great names such as Josh Hamilton, Evan Longoria, Wade Davis, and other big names that have come through the Hudson Valley over the years. With the Renegades being a Yankee affiliate, there is a lot of hype about Yankee Prospect Jason Dominguez and when he will make his arrival and come through. Of course, Zolz is excited to see him, but he has another player he is very excited to see.

HALPERN: “Who are you most excited to see this season?”

Zolz “That is a very hard question. I mean, yes, I want to see Dominguez and Volpe and a ton of our guys play. However, I am excited to see Andres Chaparro. I watched this kid from when he arrived mid-season last year and have watched what he has done in the instructional leagues, and he not only has a glove, but his bat is also coming along, and he has some big-time pop. I truly hope we get to see a full season cause this individual is a heck of a ballplayer.”

     Rick Zolzer is what baseball is about; from his talk and swagger, Zolz is famous at Dutchess Stadium. He plays the proper form of a Public Announcer before the game, but during the game, his antics and collaboration of the fun team and Mascots make the entire day a worthwhile trip and a fun experience. When you come to a game, and one of those Yankees hit a dinger, listen for Zolz’s signature “Yes You DID!” after the ball clears the wall.