THIS and that to chew on over lunch: Hydroplane racing going
in right directionSaying that hydroplane racing will be on more solid ground the next time you see it might seem a bit contradictory, given the sport's action takes place on water.
But it's certainly no stretch.
The Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Association has taken solid steps toward ensuring a more profitable and high-profile future.
It is not lost on this baseball fan that a baseball guy is the new president and chief executive officer of the UHRA.
Bob Gobrecht has been a marketing director for the Seattle Mariners and the Anaheim Angels the past five years. Those two teams are among the leaders in Major League Baseball in terms of sponsorship and merchandising.
Gobrecht and UHRA commissioner Ken Muscatel both impressed me when I met them at last week's JN Automotive Hydrofest. And it wasn't just because Muscatel was driving the old Hawaii Kai III as the two of us sped around Pearl Harbor at 130 mph.
That was a breathtaking ride, to say the least. I have a feeling the UHRA is in for an even better ride with Muscatel and Gobrecht at the helm.
Now that the baseball season is all but over, who should win the yearly awards?
These are always subject to debate, so here goes:
American League
MVP: Juan Gonzales, Texas. What can you say, 157 RBIs, 193 hits, 45 homers, 50 doubles, .318 batting average. The guy gets it done, day in and day out.
Cy Young Award: Roger Clemens, Toronto. The Rocket finished unbeaten in his last 22 appearances, including his last 15 decisions. He won his fifth AL strikeout title, fanning 271 batters. A 20-6 record and 2.65 ERA make him the hands-down choice.
Rookie of the Year: Ben Grieve, Oakland. Acted like a big-leaguer from the get-go, tying for seventh in the league in doubles with 41. He gets the edge over Orlando Hernandez of the Yankees, who was last seen wiping out the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the World Series.
Manager of the Year: Joe Torre, New York. With 114 wins and the World Series in his hip pocket, need I say more?
National League
MVP: Mark McGwire. Seventy homers. Forget about it.
Cy Young Award: Trevor Hoffman, San Diego. He saved 53 games in 54 chances and had a 1.48 ERA. It doesn't get much better than that.
Rookie of the Year: Todd Helton, Colorado. Hit .315 and drove in nearly 100 runs. He gets the edge over pitching sensation Kerry Wood of the Chicago Cubs because he's an every-day player.
Manager of the Year: Bobby Cox, Atlanta. Nah, nah, nah. Just kidding, just kidding. I'll take Larry Dierker, Houston. First year out of the broadcast booth and he wins the division title. Who does this guy think he is, Pat Riley?
Was it just me, or are you asking yourself, "What the heck is Magic Johnson doing cozying up to Mike Tyson?"
I know Magic wants to make a splash in the entertainment business, but Mike Tyson? C'mon, Magic, the guy is Trouble with a capital T.
Magic lasted only 16 games as a basketball coach because he said he couldn't stand the attitude of today's young players. They had no respect for the game.
Well, Mike Tyson is a man who has no respect for anyone, including himself.
Teen-age thief.
Wife batterer.
Man biter.
Convicted rapist.
For a guy who could see everything on a basketball court, Magic sure has his eyes closed.
I'd be interested to know what Magic's wife, Cookie, thinks about the whole thing.
