Words fail me in trying to describe the story of Team Hoyt. Father is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, whose commitment to his son has kept him from being institutionalized for a lifetime. Together, they express their commitment, joy and optimism through their sport. What a story!
Here's a link to the text of the tribute paid to this pair of men by the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Rick Reilly's Sports Illustrated piece. To see a short video of the twosome, click the second link. Thanks to old friend, Travis Wilson for telling us about this inspirational father and son.
U.S. House Tribute to TeamHoyt
Video of TeamHoyt
Farewell My 2006 Rangers
My Texas Rangers have won 8 of their last 11 games. It's not like they haven't been trying. Looking at the numbers, it's hard to suggest that they have phoned the season in; they are better than the Oakland A's in the following areas (ytd):
Batting Avg: Rangers - .282.....A's - .274
Sluggng Pct: Rangers - .455.....A's - .420
RBI's:...... Rangers - 197......A's - 178
The Ranger's are ahead of the A's in most offensive stats. But, you get the picture.
The Blue and Red from Arlington has also bettered it's Team ERA significantly in the month of August.
Texas' Team ERA Before All-Star Break: 4.65 August Team ERA: 4.42
The effort has been there. So, I am not going to cast about suggestions of incompetence and cowardice where the Rangers are concerned, (like I did with the Astros). But, I have got to say that this weekend is their last shot. They've got the A's at home for a 3 game series. They're six games back in the AL West. So, if they don't sweep, they're out of it.
(Secret Scandalous Tidbit: If the Rangers don't sweep the A's, we're jumping on the Minnesota Twins' bandwagon down the stretch in support of Beaumont's Aggie Legend, Jason Tyner. At present, they .5 games behind the White Sox in the A.L. Wild Card.)
It's not that I haven't been astounded by the development of Gary Matthews, Jr., Ian Kinsler, Mark DeRosa and Gerald Laird this year. But, if they're still six back come Monday, Farewell Y'all. Go Team Hoyt!
