Ravens and Random Thoughts
Question: does the Sports Illustrated "jinx" apply only to the cover of the magazine? I ask because Ravens coach John Harbaugh and his brother Jim are featured in an excellent article in this week's SI. Maybe that's what had John Harbaugh in a surly mood in Owings Mills on Friday. I was not present, but I looked at video tape of his post practice press conference and Harbs was clearly annoyed at the questions- three times saying "no comment, " also throwing in a "that's a ridiculous question," and facetiously quipping "nice talking to you guys" as he walked away from the microphone. Harbs has his "game face" on! We'll see if his players follow suit in New England Sunday. I figure the Ravens to win and to win handily. Granted, this could be a game in which the Ravens secondary gets picked on by Tom Brady- but to this point it hasn't happened. Plus- I don't see New England's defense stopping the Ravens (check that January playoff game for why I think that). I'm calling it 31-20 Purple Birds for their 3rd impressive road win of the year, further solidifying their status as the favorite to be lifting the Lombardi trophy in February. Or, I could be wrong.
Other notes: I've thoroughly enjoyed watching the baseball post-season but I feel like I'm one of the few. Maybe it's because we're into football season in a Ravens-crazy town, but these compelling baseball games don't seem to be generating much buzz in Baltimore. I'm a big baseball fan so I'm into it. I'm also aware of how America's so-called "past time" has lost what was once a very significant standing in October. But that doesn't stop me from appreciating the drama.
Congrats to the City of Baltimore for yet another outstanding marathon/running festival. I took part in a team relay for the 4th time in the 10 years of the event (I've also done the full and half-marathons). Even runners sometimes don't realize the massive undertaking it is to stage an event that covers 26 miles through neighborhoods involving so many streets. Lee Corrigan and his team of organizers (and sponsors) along with police, public works and countless volunteers make Baltimore a premier event. I've run marathons from Boston to Honolulu and our little town gives in to none when it comes to an event of this size (22,000 participants). It makes me proud to be a Baltimorean. And thanks to my relay teammates Jim Duquette (MLB.TV), Paul McMullen (Catholic Review, formerly Baltimore Sun) and Ashley Brilliant (free-lance baseball producer) for joining me in honoring Corrigan Sports Enterprise employee Mark Ragonese in our team of "Rags Runners." Here's to you, Rags!
