Wild World of Wednesday - May, 14 2008

So the Orlando Magic’s season ended last night in Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons. The Hornets also won last night which gives them a 3-2 lead over the Spurs. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home tonight in their Game 5 against the Utah Jazz. This is not an elimination situation since both teams are tied with two wins. Lakers fans hope that Kobe Bryant is 100% after injuring himself on Sunday…and that everyone else is ready to dominate again.

The whole thing about the New England Patriots is becoming like nails on a chalkboard…

This Saturday, the Vans Pro-Tec Pool Party is happening in Orange, Ca. Legends like Steve Caballero, Holly Lyons, and Bucky Lasek are on the list of confirmed riders. The weather is supposed to be great this weekend so this should be awesome! If you’d rather be at the beach (and who wouldn’t) then check out the Huntington Beach Duck-A-Thon Event or up the coast in Santa Monica on the pier for the NBA Nation mobile “playground” that allows fans to compete for some big prizes. There’s also a yoga and fitness event at the Santa Monica Loews Hotel.

The Tampa Bay Rays won…again…against the Yankees. This is their 6th straight victory and 11th straight home win. The Rays are right up there with the Arizona Diamondbacks for tops in the league. Meanwhile the Dodgers stink…again…great…

The golf world was shocked with the announcement of the retirement of Annika Sorenstam. She noted that she wanted to leave golf on her terms. She has accomplished much in her time with on tour and will be sorely missed. Congratulations on defining your career your way, Annika!

Also retiring is the #1 ranked player in women's tennis, Justine Henin. She has withdrawn from the Italian Open this week, noting fatigue as the culprit. Henin is a mere 25 years old.

Bike and Surf California kicks off tomorrow, May 15th. Two surfers, Mike Conway and Dr. Scott Paynton, are headed down the coast of the Golden State in order to raise awareness about environmental issues that affect our coast and will raise some money for the American Cancer Society while they’re at it. Starting in Fort Bragg, they’ll take two weeks and finish in Santa Barbara


Today in Sports History

1997 – Baseball’s Executive Committee removes George Steinbrenner from his seat in it's ruling body.

1990 – Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela hits a home run and so does opposing pitcher of the Montreal Expos, Kevin Gross. This is the only the 46th time that opposing pitchers hit a home run in a game.

1972 – Willie Mays hits a home run – his first as a member of the New York Mets in a game against the San Francisco Giants.

1874 – Harvard and McGill face off in what is recognized as the first exhibition of North American-style football. Harvard won 3-0.