October thoughts

Tired of Winning?

Over the last week, I’ve played close attention to the Texas Rangers. Usually, I just keep track of whether they win or lose, but the pennant race gets my attention.

I’ve been watching and analyzing.  I attended their game last Sunday vs. the Angels, which they gave away.

I watched in amazement as they crashed and burned over the last three days against the A’s.

This team that had so much energy and desire in 2010 and 2011 doesn’t seem to have it in 2012.

My assessment: They look tired and running on fumes.

And it happens to a lot of teams who go deep into the post-season year after year.   They play a lot more games in the playoffs than teams who don’t make it.  Over time, the wear and tear adds up, especially for teams whose players are aging.

A former TCU teammate of mine and All-American running back Kenneth Davis went to the Super Bowl four straight years as a member of the Buffalo Bills. KD says the extended season year-over-year and the extra games in the playoffs over four years (15 extra games) took their toll on the Bills. By the time they reached their fourth Super Bowl, they were out of gas.

And you say, “That’s hogwash! These guys are pros, and it’s their job to get ready to play.” True, but think about the last time you didn’t feel great or had an injury and still had to go to work. Now, try that for a couple of years in a row.

Also, don’t underestimate the lack of mental energy in the Rangers situation. It’s not new to them anymore. They’ve been there, done that and got handed a devastating loss in Game 6 of the World Series last year.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not making excuses, but Kenneth Davis brings up a great point: When you win, and win a lot over a period of time, you lose something.

As my old roommate’s mom, Marge Rizzo, says, “You Dance? You pay the fiddler.”

Hall of Fame Time

Once again, it’s time for a special weekend, Hall of Fame Weekend.

It’s my and Brian Estridge’s privilege to emcee tonight’s TCU Lettermen’s Hall of Fame Induction Dinner. 

The 2012 Hall of Fame Class, which includes LaDainian Tomlinson, will be inducted tonight in a ceremony on campus.

Take a look at this year’s class, it’s a group of elite TCU athletes:

Dywana Crudup-Brazzell '00 (Track & Field)

Marshall K. Harris '79 (Football)

H.E. Kirchner '59 (Basketball)

Max Knake '95 (Football)

Scott Malone '92 (Baseball)

Jordan Reynolds '92 (Track & Field/Football)

LaDainian Tomlinson '00 (Football)

Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at the Iowa State Cyclones.

Kick ‘Em High!