Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
Email me at btimmermann@gmail.com
Select a date:
Lamar Hunt was involved in a lot of sporting ventures in his life: football, soccer, tennis, and basketball, but not baseball. Yet, I still thought his death tonight in Kansas City Dallas was worthy of mention.
Hunt, who came from an extremely wealthy family (he and his brothers tried to corner the silver market in 1979-80), but he reportedly lived a frugal life, flying coach and driving himself and his family in station wagons. He was instrumental in the AFL's merger into the NFL, creating the professional sports powerhouse that it is today. Yet, it is likely that Hunt will not be remembered for his effect on American sports as much as sports owners who draw far more attention to themselves like George Steinbrenner, Jerry Jones, Al Davis, or Jerry Reinsdorf.
But, except for a few hardcore soccer fans, few people might know that the American equivalent to the FA, the US Open Cup is named for Hunt. Do you have a soccer team that you think might be able to compete with the big boys of MLS? Well, see if you are eligible to compete. The 2006 Cup was won by the Chicago Fire, which beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1.
The Cup has been awarded since 1914. Bethlehem Steel FC, Maccabee (Los Angeles) SC, and Fall River FC have won five. The Rochester Raging Rhinos of the A-League were the last team not in MLS to win the US Open Cup. That was back in 1999.
RIP, he seems to have been a remarkable man.
Rest in peace, and a remarkable life for a remarkable man. May his legacy long outshine Al Davis's.
I have often wondered if my grandfather, who played on some fairly high level St. Louis area soccer teams ever competed for the U.S. Open Cup.
But since the man has been dead since 1932, such info may be hard to come by.
That right there gets him all my respect. One of the things I like most about the soccer leagues in most countries is that every team, no matter how small or big, can move up and down in divisions depending on their level of play. This everyone gets a shot ideal is exemplified in yearly open tournaments like England's FA Cup and Hunt's US Open Cup.
I wish other sports would embrace this type of open tournament. Baseball has hundreds of minor league teams spread all over the country and how great would it be if they all got a shot in a single game elimination tournament. It increases baseball exposure for the big boys as well as the minor league affiliates trying to draw in fans for what are otherwise meaningless matches. It is also excellent experience for prospects to get in games against stiffer competition, if only for a few games a year. Plus, the major leaguers get a chance to redeem a potentially lackluster season with a good run in the cup increasing exposure, good will and ticket sales to what would otherwise be a wasted year. Obviously there would be a slight conflict of interest with teams facing their own affiliate but I don't think that should be a deal breaker.
Get on it whoever you are that will replace Selig.
2 The black darkens the Al Davis legacy far more than the silver shines upon it.
I think you probably mean Jerry Jones there.
Hunt was an amazing guy. I was just reading about the silver thing a few days ago.
Thanks for correction #2. I always get that guy's name wrong. I should just call him "Cowboys Owner Guy."
Jerry Jones = Cowboys Owner Guy
Jim Jones = Cyanide Koolaid Guy.
Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.