SPORTS
Before the proliferation of television in American homes back in the late 1940s and early ’50s, the American sports landscape was dominated by three sports: baseball, boxing, and horse racing. Decades later, baseball still holds a dominant position in the sports spectrum, but boxing and horse racing have fallen in stature. Still, the Kentucky Derby has retained its status as one of the biggest events in sports: This year’s Derby drew big television numbers, with overnights coming in with a 9.5 rating.
Having won their division two of the last three years — and having failed to do so last year only because the Colorado Rockies unaccountably won every game they played for two weeks in September — the San Diego Padres were not supposed to have the worst record in baseball this year. So they do, though, and there even have been consequences. Last Friday, at a cost of $5 million, they released their 38-year-old center fielder, who hit .178 with three extra- base hits and 10 walks in 26 games. He might not ever take the field again.
When the team president of the Knicks, Donnie Walsh, took over a few weeks ago, his first major move — relieving Isiah Thomas of his duties as coach — was obvious and was met with universal joy by Knicks fans. His second major move — agreeing to sign coach Mike D’Antoni — is an even bigger splash. But it hasn’t met with the level of acclaim you’d expect from such a coup.
With each step forward in the pursuit of the Stanley Cup, the challenges get steeper and the pressure mounts. At this stage in the game, any weaknesses are typically far outweighed by the strengths that enabled the competitors to get this far, making it harder and harder to advance. And although the second round of these playoffs was surprisingly pitfall-free for the four Conference Finalists — the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Philadelphia Flyers — all four clubs would be wise to remember not to brim with overconfidence.
WASHINGTON — Add this to the lore of championship ceremonies at the White House: President Bush believes in the Jessica Simpson jinx.
Bush, a Texas guy, lauded the Giants yesterday for winning the Super Bowl. Any football championship is big to the team and its fans, but this one was all the sweeter because it required a riveting, comeback effort against the New England Patriots, who were heavily favored and had not lost all year.
TAMPA BAY — One by one, Candace Parker hugged her teammates on the sideline as the last seconds ticked away. It was all part of her final farewell to Tennessee.
All that was left was to hoist a championship trophy, which came after the Lady Vols' 64-48 victory over Stanford tonight.
Parker scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help Tennessee capture its eighth championship. The Lady Vols also became the first repeat champs since Connecticut won three straight from 2002-04.
