Is this the end of Love in Cleveland? While We’re Waiting
June 25, 2019Happy Anniversary: While We’re Waiting
June 27, 2019Good morning and happy Wednesday, fellow WFNYers!
I’ll be honest, I planned on writing about the red hot Cleveland Indians, but given the debacle that happened in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday night, I decided not to. In case you didn’t watch the game, let’s just say that in his 36th appearance of the season and after previously converting all 22 of his save opportunities this season, closer Brad Hand’s season ERA jumped from 1.05 to 2.36 in a span of five batters. Besides that, it was an impressive game for Cleveland, but that blown save put a damper on everything.
With that said, let’s talk about some other sports-related topics.
Carlos Santana will participate in Home Run Derby
For the first time since 2006, when former Indians outfielder and fan favorite Grady Sizemore hit six home runs during the Home Run Derby in Yankee Stadium, Cleveland will be represented in the event during All-Star Weekend in The Land in less than two weeks.
Indians first baseman and designated hitter Carlos Santana announced prior to Tuesday night’s game that he will participate in this year’s Home Run Derby, being the hometown player that represents Cleveland.
With a team-leading 18 home runs in 78 games, Santana is tied for No. 25 for the most home runs in the MLB so far this season. Of his 18 homers, 15 have been from the left side of the plate, so Santana has already decided that he will bat left-handed in the derby.
The Indians unfortunately only have a chance to land one All-Star starter (Santana), but they will at least be well represented in the Home Run Derby.
Jonah Williams suffers a season-ending injury
The Cincinnati Bengals were already expected to finish last in the AFC North in 2019. Now, their team’s potential success has taken yet another blow with rookie Jonah Williams suffering a torn labrum, likely ending his season even before fall. He suffered the injury during OTAs and underwent surgery on Tuesday.
The No. 11 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Alabama standout was expected to step right in and be the teams long-term starting left tackle. The pick essentially moved Cordy Glenn from left tackle to left guard. Due to the injury, Glenn will now move back to left tackle, where he started 13 games last season, allowing 36 quarterback pressures (11th most in the NFL). Not only that, but he was also Pro Football Focus’ 60th-ranked tackle in 2019. There was a reason the Bengals used their top pick to sure up Andy Dalton’s blind side. Now, they are back to square one again.
Looks like it will be another rough year for the Bengals.
Reggie Hodges is far more than just a former Browns (and NFL) punter
First things first, the former Browns punter looks nothing like a former punter, especially one that ran for 68 yards on a fake punt, an NFL record that still holds true today for any punter. In case you forgot about the play, I’m here for you, always:
Now, he has a big beard, has put on plenty of muscle and weight, and legitimately looks more like an NFL lineman than a punter. In fact, if you were to put him in a room with 10 other people, it’s likely that he would be one of the last people many would guess was a punter in the NFL. Given that he now owns a Pro Sports Performance in Strongsville, Ohio, he looks completely different than the way he did during his playing days.
With that said, I was lucky enough to listen to Hodges speak at a men’s gathering Monday night. It allowed me to realize that at the end of the day, he is so much more than just a football player. He even said that himself. While he was a speaker at a church event, there were plenty of lessons he gave that everyone can be reminded of. Whether it was just talking about being a good person, being someone that your family can rely on, or a number of other things, Hodges made me realize that he is much more than just a former NFL player. His life lessons were something all of us can learn from, improve on, and recognize. At the end of the day, he wants to be remembered as someone that brings a positive light to this world and one that makes a difference, whether it be with dads or just people in general. After listening to him speak, he’s well on his way to doing just that.
Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week!