#TBT Year in Review: 1988

In the year that Michael Jordan took flight… Jordan Flight

  • The Winter Olympics were held in Alberta, Canada.
  • The Supreme Court sided with Larry Flynt in the Hustler vs. Falwell case.
  • George H.W. Bush was elected President of the United States. 
  • The first “World AIDS Day” was held on December 1st. 
  • The NBA’s youngest MVP, Derrick Rose, was born. 

And here’s what else happened in Movies, Music, and Sports…

Movies

Comedy

Beetlejuice, Big, A Fish Called Wanda, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad, The Great Outdoors, Bull Durham, Hairspray, Heathers, Working Girl, Midnight Run, Punchline, Twins, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Earth Girls are Easy, My Stepmother is an Alien, Mystic Pizza, Scrooged, Crocodile Dundee II, Big Top Pee-Wee, She’s Having a Baby, Short Circuit 2, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, AND…

Coming to America

Action/Thriller

Young Guns, Rambo III, Child’s Play, They Live, Frantic, The Dead Pool, Red Heat, Dead Ringers, The Vanishing, Action Jackson, Off Limits, D.O.A., Tequila Sunrise, Spellbinder, Halloween 4, Shoot to Kill, Shakedown, The Bourne Identity, Friday the 13th VII, Maniac Cop, The Presidio, Bloodsport AND…

Die Hard

Drama

Cocktail, Willow, The Accused, Dangerous Liaisons, Beaches, The Last Temptation of Christ, Evil Angels, The Accidental Tourist, Mississippi Burning, Dead Solid Perfect, Eight Men Out, And God Created Woman, Another Woman, Patty Hearst, Betrayed, Bright Lights Big City, Torch Song Trilogy, Stealing Home, The Moderns, Sweethearts Dance, Cocoon: The Return, A Summer Story, Running on Empty, Bird, Stand and Deliver, Colors, Gorillas in the Mist, AND…

Rain Man

The 61st Academy Awards

Best Actor

  • Gene Hackman, Mississippi Burning
  • Tom Hanks, Big
  • Edward James Olmos, Stand and Deliver
  • Max von Sydow, Pelle the Conquerer
  • Dustin Hoffman, Rain Man – Winner

It was Dustin Hoffman’s second Oscars win after Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980 out of 7 nominations.

Best Supporting Actor

  • Alec Guinness, Little Dorrit
  • Martin Landau, Tucker The Man and His Dream
  • River Phoenix, Running on Empty
  • Dean Stockwell, Married to the Mob
  • Kevin Kline, A Fish Called Wanda – Winner

Kline is 1-for-1 at the Oscars

Best Actress

  • Glenn Close, Dangerous Liaisons
  • Melanie Griffith, Working Girl
  • Meryl Streep, A Cry in the Dark
  • Sigourney Weaver, Gorillas in the Mist
  • Jodie Foster, The Accused – Winner

Of 4 nominations, this was Jodie Fosters first of 2 Oscar wins. 

Best Supporting Actress

  • Joan Cusack, Working Girl
  • Frances McDormand, Mississippi Burning
  • Michelle Pfeiffer, Dangerous Liaisons
  • Sigourney Weaver, Working Girl
  • Geena Davis, The Accidental Tourist – Winner

Geena Davis has won 1 out of 2 nominations, the second for Thelma and Louise. 

Best Picture

  • The Accidental Tourist
  • Dangerous Liaisons
  • Mississippi Burning
  • Working Girl
  • Rain Man – Winner

Rain Man won 4 of the 8 Academy Awards it was nominated for, including Best Director and Best Writing.

Music

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hip Hop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pop Music

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Billboard Year-End Top 25

01. “Faith” – George Michael

02. “Need You Tonight” – INXS

03. “Got My Mind Set On You” – George Harrison

04. “Never Gonna Give You Up” – Rick Astley

05. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses

06. “So Emotional” – Whitney Houston

07. “Heaven is a Place on Earth” – Belinda Carlisle

08. “Could’ve Been” – Tiffany

09. “Hands to Heaven” – Breathe

10. “Roll with It” – Steve Winwood

11. “One More Try” – George Michael

12. “Wishing Well” – Terrence Trent D’Arby

13. “Anything For You” – Gloria Estefan 

14. “The Flame” – Cheap Trick

15. “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” – Billy Ocean

16. “Seasons Change” – Expose

17. “Is This Love” – Whitesnake

18. “Wild, Wild West” – The Escape Club

19. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” – Def Lepard

20. “I’ll Always Love You” – Taylor Dayne

21. “Man in the Mirror” – Michael Jackson

22. “Shake Your Love” – Debbie Gibson

23. “Simply Irresistible” – Robert Palmer

24. “Hold On To The Nights” – Richard Marx

25. “Hungry Eyes” – Eric Carmen

Sports

Baseball

League Leaders:

Offensive

Average: Wade Boggs (BOS) – .366

Hits: Kirby Pucket (MIN) – 234

Home Runs: Jose Canseco (OAK) – 42

RBI: Jose Canseco (OAK) – 124

OPS: Wade Boggs (BOS) – .965

Stolen Bases: Rickey Henderson (NYY) – 93

Pitching

Wins: Frank Viola (MIN) – 24

ERA: Joe Magrane (STL) – 2.18

Strikeouts: Roger Clemens (BOS) – 291

Complete Games: Danny Jackson (CIN) & Orel Hershiser (LAD) – 15

Shutouts: Orel Hershiser (LAD) & Roger Clemens (BOS) – 8

Saves: Dennis Eckersley (OAK) – 45

MVP

AL – Jose Canseco (OAK)

NL – Kirk Gibson (LAD)

CY Young

AL – Frank Viola (MIN)

NL – Orel Hershiser (LAD)

Rookie of the Year

AL – Walt Weiss (OAK)

NL – Chris Sabo (CIN)

World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers over Oakland Athletics (4-1)

Basketball 

NCAA

Final Four:

(1) Oklahoma, (1) Arizona, (2) Duke and (6) Kansas

National Championship

(6) Kansas over (1) Oklahoma 83-79

NBA

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Michael Jordan (CHI) – 35.0

Rebounds Per Game: Michael Cage (LAC) – 13.0

Assists Per Game: John Stockton (UTAH) – 13.8

All-NBA Team

Charles Barkley (PHI)

Larry Bird (BOS) 

Magic Johnson (LAL)

Michael Jordan (CHI)

Hakeem Olajuwon (HOU)

MVP – Michael Jordan (CHI)

Rookie of the Year – Mark Jackson (NY)

NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers over Detroit Pistons (4-3)

Football

NCAA 

Heisman Trophy: Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State)

National Championship

ND 88 National Championship

Notre Dame over West Virginia 34-21 in the Fiesta Bowl

NFL

League Leaders

Passing Yards: Dan Marino (MIA) – 4,434

Passing Touchdowns: Jim Everett (LAR) – 31

Passer Rating: Boomer Esiason (CIN) – 97.4

Rush Yards: Eric Dickerson (IND) – 1,659

Rush Touchdowns: Greg Ball (LAR) – 16

Receiving Yards: Henry Ellard (LAR) – 1,414

Receiving Touchdowns: Mark Clayton (MIA) – 14

Receptions: Al Toon (NYJ) – 93

AP MVP: Boomer Esiason

Super Bowl XXIII

San Francisco 49ers over Cincinnati Bengals 20-16

Hockey

League Leaders

Goal: Mario Lemieux (PIT) – 70

Assists: Wayne Gretzky (EDM) – 109

Points: Mario Lemieux (PIT) – 168

Hart Memorial Trophy: Mario Lemieux (PIT)

Stanley Cup

Edmonton 88

Edmonton Oilers over Boston Bruins (4-0)

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.

Also checkout past #TBT Years in Review.

2011

2006

2005

1999

1998

1992

1989

1987

Hall of Fame Poll: Pete Rose or Barry Bonds?

All-Star Games are weird, aren’t they?

One minute you’re in disbelief that an exhibition decides home field advantage for the World Series, and the next you’re awestruck by the greatest pitcher of all-time throwing a perfect first pitch to the greatest catcher of all-time…

Sandy Koufax can really sling it at 79, can’t he?

Mike Trout led the game off with a home run for the American League and became the first player to win back-to-back All-Star MVPs as they went on to win 6-3 over the National League…There were two other greats who got some attention before the game, and neither seems to be getting into the Hall of Fame anytime soon.

Pete Rose was not only handling pre and postgame duties on-air for Fox Sports, but he was also named as one of the Reds‘ Franchise Four winners. Rose walked onto the field to a standing ovation, which felt odd considering he was banned from baseball.

Earlier in the day, Barry Bonds was taking selfies before All-Star festivities with his Godfather, Willie Mays…who was sleeping.

(Just a little creepy there, Barry)

One is the all-time hits leader. The other is the all-time home runs leader. Both are polarizing figures to the game, but who belongs in the Hall of Fame first?

Follow for more on Facebook and Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.

#TBT Year in Review: 1999

As we waited to see what would happen when Y2K hit…

  • The Sopranos debuted on HBO.
  • President Bill Clinton was acquitted in impeachment proceedings.
  • Sega Dreamcast was released in North America,
  • George Harrison was attacked at his home in Friar Park.
  • Wilt Chamberlain passed away at the age of 63.

CHAMBERLAIN

And here’s what happened in the worlds of Movies, Music, and Sports…

Movies

Comedy

American Pie, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, 10 Things I Hate About You, Notting Hill, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, Being John Malkovich, She’s All That, Big Daddy, Galaxy Quest, South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, Never Been Kissed, Dogma, Stuart Little, Blue Streak, Analyze This, Jawbreaker, Bowfinger, Dick, Idle Hands, Mystery Men, Life, Drive Me Crazy, EDtv, Detroit Rock City, The Bachelor, Superstar, AND…

Office Space

Action/Thriller

The Sixth Sense, The Matrix, Three Kings, The Boondock Saints, End of Days, Deep Blue Sea, The Insider, Universal Soldier: The Return, A Murder of Crows, 8mm, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Double Jeopardy, Instinct, The Bone Collector, The World is Not Enough, The Ninth Gate, Arlington Road, Chill Factor, True Crime, Payback, Resurrection, Stigmata, The Mod Squad, Entrapment, The Astronaut’s Wife, The Rage: Carrie 2, AND…

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Drama

Fight Club, American Beauty, Eyes Wide Shut, Bicentennial Man, Boys Don’t Cry, Anna and the King, Girl Interrupted, Animal Farm, 200 Cigarettes, The Virgin Suicides, October Sky, Great Expectations, Onegin, Flawless, The Hurricane, Brokedown Palace, Magnolia, Cruel Intentions, Random Hearts, All About My Mother, The Winslow Boy, Varsity Blues, The Cider House Rules, The Deep End of the Ocean, Tuesdays with Morrie, Black and White, AND…

The Green Mile

The 72nd Academy Awards

Best Actor

  • Russell Crowe, The Insider
  • Richard Farnsworth, The Straight Story
  • Sean Penn, Sweet and Lowdown
  • Denzel Washington, The Hurricane
  • Kevin Spacey, American Beauty – Winner

(Spacey’s 2nd Oscar. First was Best Supporting Actor in 1996 for The Usual Suspects)

Best Supporting Actor

  • Michael Clarke Duncan, The Green Mile
  • Jude Law, The Talented Mr. Ripley
  • Haley Joel Osment, The Sixth Sense
  • Tom Cruise, Magnolia
  • Michael Caine, The Cider House Rules – Winner 

(Caine’s 2nd win out of 6 nominations.)

Best Actress

  • Annette Benning, American Beauty
  • Janet McTeer, Tumbleweeds
  • Julianne Moore, The End of the Affair
  • Meryl Streep, Music of the Heart
  • Hilary Swank, Boys Don’t Cry – Winner

(This was Swank’s first of two Oscar nominations and awards.)

Best Supporting Actress

  • Toni Collette, The Sixth Sense
  • Catherine Keener, Being John Malkovich
  • Samantha Morton, Sweet and Lowdown
  • Chloe Sevigny, Boys Don’t Cry
  • Angelina Jolie, Girl Interrupted – Winner

(Jolie has also won the Humanitarian Academy Award in 2014)

Best Picture

  • The Cider House Rules
  • The Green Mile
  • The Insider
  • The Sixth Sense
  • American Beauty – Winner

(American Beauty won 5 of the 8 Oscars it was nominated for.)

Music

Rock Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hip Hop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Billboard Year-End Top 25

01. “Believe” – Cher

02. “No Scrubs” – TLC

03. “Angel of Mine” – Monica

04. “Heartbreak Hotel” – Whitney Houston featuring Faith Evans and Kelly Price

05. “…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears

06. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer

07. “Genie in a Bottle” – Christina Aguilera

08. “Every Morning” – Sugar Ray

09. “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” – Deborah Cox

10. “Livin’ la Vida Loca” – Ricky Martin

11. “Where My Girls At?” – 702

12. “If You Had My Love” – Jennifer Lopez

13. “Slide” – Goo Goo Dolls

14. “Have You Ever?” – Brandy

15. “I Want It That Way” – Backstreet Boys

16. “I’m Your Angel” – Celine Dion and R. Kelly

17. “All Star” – Smash Mouth

18. “Angel” – Sarah McLachlan

19. “Smooth” – Santana featuring Rob Thomas

20. “Unpretty” – TLC

21. “Bills, Bills, Bills” – Destiny’s Child

22. “Save Tonight” – Eagle-Eye Cherry

23. “Last Kiss” – Pearl Jam

24. “Fortunate” – Maxwell

25. “All I Have to Give” – Backstreet Boys

Sports

Baseball

League Leaders:

Offensive

Average: Larry Walker (COL) – .379

Hits: Derek Jeter (NYY) – 219

Home Runs: Mark McGwire (STL) – 65

RBI: Manny Ramirez (CLE) – 165

OPS: Larry Walker (COL) – 1.168

Stolen Bases: Tony Womack (AZ)

Pitching

Wins: Pedro Martinez (BOS) – 23

ERA: Pedro Martinez (BOS) – 2.07

Strikeouts: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 364

Complete Games: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 12

Shutouts: Scott Erickson (BAL) & Andy Ashby (SD) – 3

Saves: Mariano Rivera (NYY) – 45

MVP

AL – Ivan Rodriguez (TEX)

NL – Chipper Jones (ATL)

CY Young

AL – Pedro Martinez (BOS)

NL – Randy Johnson (AZ)

Rookie of the Year

AL – Carlos Beltran (KC)

NL – Scott Williamson (CIN)

World Series

New York Yankees sweep Atlanta Braves (4-0)

Basketball

NCAA

Final Four:

(1) Duke, (1) Michigan State, (4) Ohio State and (1) UConn

National Championship:

(1) UConn over (1) Duke 77-74

NBA

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Allen Iverson (PHI) – 26.8

Rebounds Per Game: Chris Webber (SAC) – 13.0

Assists Per Game: Jason Kidd (PHX) – 10.8

All-NBA Team

Tim Duncan (SA)

Allen Iverson (PHI)

Jason Kidd (PHX)

Karl Malone (UTAH)

Alonzo Mourning (MIA)

MVP – Karl Malone (UTAH)

Rookie of the Year – Vince Carter (TOR)

NBA Finals

San Antonio Spurs over New York Knicks (4-1)

Football

NCAA

Heisman Trophy:

Ron Dayne (Wisconsin)

National Championship

(1) Florida State over (2) Virginia Tech 46-29 in the Sugar Bowl

NFL

League Leaders

Passing Yards: Steve Beuerlein (CAR) – 4,436

Passing Touchdowns: Kurt Warner (STL) – 41

Passer Rating: Kurt Warner (STL) – 109.2

Rushing Yards: Edgerrin James (IND) – 1,553

Rushing Touchdowns: Stephen Davis (WAS) – 17

Receiving Yards: Marvin Harrison (IND) – 1,663

Receiving Touchdowns: Cris Carter (MIN) – 13

Receptions: Jimmy Smith (JAX) – 116

AP MVP: Kurt Warner (STL)

Super Bowl XXXIV

St. Louis Rams over Tennessee Titans 23-16

Hockey

League Leaders

Goals: Teemu Selanne (ANA) – 47

Assists: Jaromir Jagr (PIT) – 83

Points: Jaromir Jagr (PIT) – 127

Hart Memorial Trophy: Jaromir Jagr (PIT)

Stanley Cup

Dallas Stars over Buffalo Sabres (4-2)

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.

Also checkout past #TBT Years in Review.

2011

2006

2005

1998

1992

1989

1987

Sports Crazies: Who Belongs in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’?

It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?

The early reviews are in on ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and it sounds like every synonym that applies to “epic”. The post-apocalyptic franchise returns after the last film hit theaters 30 years ago with a new leading man (the VERY MAD Tom Hardy) and a setting that gives zero F-words to the original timeline. However, it’s directed by George Miller, who created this mad world, so any worry of integrity and fears of Hollywood reboots can be set aside.

Mad Max gif

In the REAL WORLD, our professional sports universe is filled with all walks of life. Good guys, bad guys, heroes, cheaters…gentlemen & ladies, scumbags and…I don’t even know.

Here, we are going to focus on the CRAZIES in pro sports. Not necessarily the guys you would qualify as “bad guys”, but more of the unhinged, whacky, screw-loose variety…And Monty Williams.

MLB

Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

Just one home run away from the 400 club, a 4-time All-Star, an MVP runner-up in 2004, stats comparable to Dave Parker, Al Kaline, and Eddie Murray (according to Baseball Reference)…Adrian Beltre is all of these, but he’s also a ticking time bomb. It’s been thoroughly documented on that Beltre hates when people touch his head, yet his teammates and opponents continue to do it. If you ask me, he is one Elvis Andrus prank away form yelling “BELTRE SMASH!”

Beltre gif

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

Bryce Harper is a hot item these days and likely will be for quite a while. He made it into our Mad Men of MLB list a month ago, but the home run “hair flip” keeps the momentum going. Not only is he hitting out of his mind (12 HRs, 31 RBIs, 1.119 OPS in 35 games), he’s challenging umpires to Thunderdome too…Okay not exactly, but bat flips and hair flips will get it done.

Bryce Harper Hair Flip

NBA

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell. Is. Crazy.…And he’s crazy good. Had his team made the playoffs, Westbrook could and probably should have been the NBA’s MVP this season. He earned the NBA’s scoring title by averaging 28.1 points per game, recorded 11 triple-doubles, yet none of it mattered to him…

On top of the accolades and establishing himself as not the Robin to Kevin Durant’s “Batman” (he’s more Superman, or a second Batman), he has no regard for his own safety…and it’s entertaining as hell.

Russell Westbrook hits his head

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

This description comes from Boogie’s scouting report from Jonathan Wasserman before he was drafted from Kentucky in 2010.

“Cousins’ lack of maturity and mental focus is evident in his negative body language and lack of composure … He tends to lose his head, looking disinterested or frustrated if things don’t go his way. Also does not appear receptive to coaching, tuning out his coaches when they attempt to give him advice on the bench …”

Since then, the 5th overall pick has averaged a double-double with 18.9 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, was named an NBA All-Star this past season, and was a member of last summer’s FIBA Champion Team USA squad….and he’ll also be the “Blaster” to any of his teammates’ “Master”.

Cousins Blaster

…and you don’t want to get in Boogie Blaster’s way.

Cousins Destroy

NFL

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

When you get a FOX Sports camera basically dedicated to your every movement on the sidelines, you probably deserve a mention in this post…As the Dallas Cowboys continue the all-time worst PR roster this year, Dez Bryant remains a figure of intrigue while he accepts the team’s franchise tag. Bryant was the center of rumors that seemed to gain steam in the winter regarding a video that was said to have made Ray Rice look like a choir boy. It remained just a rumor though…Bryant hasn’t signed his tender yet but once he does, the Cowboys sidelines will remain much anticipated theater.

Dez Bryant crazy

Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears

Martellus Bennett is a different kind of cat, to say the least…He’s not demonstrative like Bryant, but he certainly is out there. It’s very cool how in-touch he is with his creative side. He’s into animation, writing children’s stories and challenges his Twitter following to open their imaginations…That odd side doesn’t necessarily translate to the field, but more so off the field in front of the local media. When he was first introduced to Chicago after signing his current contract, he asked to be referred to as “The Black Unicorn”, the “Orange Dinosaur”, and “Martysaurus Rex”…But don’t mistake his fun and soft side as weakness, Rookies…

Martysaurus Slam

NHL

Andrew Shaw, Chicago Blackhawks

Really you could apply this post to EVERYONE in the NHL. Guys pull their teeth out during games just to get comfortable. Fighting is legal. Reporters on the ice get hit with pucks, bleed, and shake it off to keep doing their jobs…

In anticipation of the Western Conference Finals coming up, we’ll go with the scrappiest (and craziest) guy you’ll see on the ice, Andrew Shaw. The 5’11, 23 year-old forward isn’t afraid to mix it up with anyone, anywhere…even from the bench. The fact that he sold his bloody stitches from the last Stanley Cup Finals he won for charity should be enough to qualify him as Fury Road material.

Andrew Shaw crazy

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

If the Mad Max franchise has provided anything, it’s a litany of freaks and things of the unimaginable. Fury Road sounds no different, so why not include the NHL’s most impressive circus attraction…Zdeno Chara. Chara is 6’9 without skates and carries a very heavy stick, but apparently the Slovak skater also grew up in a castle that housed history’s most infamous female serial killer. So there’s THAT the next time Chara comes barreling into you on skates.

Zdeno Chara slide

Who else belongs in Mad Max: Fury Road? Going to see the movie this weekend? Lets talk about it on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.

#TBT Year in Review: 1989

Yes, I know…

It’s the year Taylor Swift was born, but also happening in 1989…

  • George H.W. Bush succeeded Ronald Reagan as the 41st President of the United States.
  • MGM Studios at Disney World opened to the public.
  • The world’s first HDTV broadcasts commence in Japan
  • Nintendo released Game Boy portable gaming system to North America.
  • Pete Rose received his lifetime ban from Major League Baseball.

And here’s what we saw from the world’s of Movies, Music and Sports. 

Movies

Comedy

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Back to the Future Part II, Ghostbusters II, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Parenthood, When Harry Met Sally…, Seen No Evil, Hear No Evil, Say Anything…, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Look Who’s Talking, The Burbs, Uncle Buck, Weekend at Bernie’s, Driving Miss Daisy, Turner & Hooch, Fletch Lives, Harlem Nights, Going Overboard, The War of the Roses, UHF, New York Stories, The Big Picture, Gross Anatomy, Crimes and Misdemeanors, We’re No Angels, AND…

Major League

Action/Thriller

Lethal Weapon II, Black Rain, License to Kill, The Abyss, Dead Calm, Next of Kin, Lock Up, The Punisher, Leviathan, Pet Sematary, Kickboxer, DeepStar Six, The Killer, The Package, Samurai Cop, The January Man, Cutting Class, Johnny Handsome, Halloween 5, Sea of Love, Blue Steel, Far From Home, Shotgun, Ministry of Vengeance, An Innocent Man, The Mighty Quinn, AND…

Road House

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0aPIXy6PHM

Drama

Dead Poets Society, Do The Right Thing, Glory, Steel Magnolias, My Left Foot, Casualties of War, Sex Lies and Videotape, Always, Rooftops, Born on the Fourth of July, Driving Miss Daisy, Sea of Love, Small Sacrifices, Lean On Me, Gleaming the Cube, True Believer, Scandal, Look Back in Anger, The Ryan White Story, Drugstore Cowboy, The Karen Carpenter Story, Immediate Family, Listen To Me, Dad, Music Box, AND…

Field of Dreams

The 62nd Academy Awards

Best Actor

  • Kenneth Branagh, Henry V
  • Tom Cruise, Born on the Fourth of July
  • Morgan Freeman, Driving Miss Daisy
  • Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society
  • Daniel Day Lewis, My Left Foot – Winner

Best Supporting Actor

  • Dan Aykroyd, Driving Miss Daisy
  • Marlon Brando, A Drive White Season
  • Martin Landeau, Crimes and Misdemeanors 
  • Danny Aiello, Do the Right Thing
  • Denzel Washington, Glory – Winner

Best Actress

  • Isabelle Adjani, Camille Claudel
  • Pauline Collins, Shirley Valentine
  • Jessica Lange, Music Box
  • Michelle Pfeiffer, The Fabulous Baker Boys
  • Jessica Tandy, Driving Miss Daisy – Winner

Best Supporting Actress

  • Anjelica Huston, Enemies, A Love Story
  • Lena Olin, Enemies, A Love Story
  • Julia Roberts, Steel Magnolias
  • Dianne Wiest, Parenthood
  • Brenda Fricker, My Left Foot – Winner

Best Picture

  • Born on the Fourth of July
  • Dead Poets Society
  • Field of Dreams
  • My Left Foot
  • Driving Miss Daisy – Winner

Music

Rock Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hip Hop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Billboard Year-End Top 25

1. “Look Away” – Chicago 

2. “My Prerogative” – Bobby Brown

3. “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” – Poison

4. “Straight Up” – Paula Abdul

5. “Miss You Much” – Janet Jackson

6. “Cold Hearted” – Paula Abdul

7. “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler

8. “Girl You Know It’s True” – Milli Vanilli

9. “Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley” – Will to Power

10. “Give You The Best That I Got” – Anita Baker

11. “Right Here Waiting” – Richard Marx

12. “Waiting for a Star to Fall” – Boy Meets Girl

13. “Lost In Your Eyes” – Debbie Gibson

14. “Don’t Wanna Lose You” – Gloria Estafan

15. “Heaven” – Warrant

16. “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You” – Milli Vanilli

17. “The Look” – Roxette

18. “She Drives Me Crazy” – Fine Young Cannibals

19. “On Our Own” – Bobby Brown

20. “Two Hearts” – Phil Collins

21. “Blame It On The Rain” – Milli Vanilli

22. “Listen To Your Heart” – Roxette

23. “I’ll Be There For You” – Bon Jovi

24. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” – Simply Red

25. “Like A Prayer” – Madonna

Sports

Baseball

League Leaders

Offensive:

Average: Kirby Puckett (MIN) – .344

Hits: Kirby Puckett (MIN) – 215

Home Runs: Kevin Mitchell (SF) – 47

RBI: Kevin Mitchell (SF) – 125

OPS: Kevin Mitchell (SF) – 1.023

Stolen Bases: Rickey Henderson (NYY & OAK) – 77

Pitching:

Wins: Bret Saberhagen (KC) – 23

ERA: Bret Saberhagen (KC) – 2.16

Strikeouts: Nolan Ryan (TEX) – 301

Complete Games: Bret Saberhagen (KC) – 12

Shutouts: Tim Belcher (LAD) – 8

Saves: Mark Davis (SD) – 44

MVP

AL – Robin Yount (MIL)

NL – Kevin Mitchell (SF)

CY Young

AL – Bret Saberhagen (KC)

NL – Mark Davis (SD)

Rookie of the Year

AL – Gregg Olson (BAL)

NL – Jerome Walton (CHC)

World Series: Oakland Athletics def. San Francisco Giants (4-0)

Basketball

NCAA

Final Four:

(1) Illinois, (3) Michigan, (3) Seton Hall and (2) Duke

National Championship:

Michigan over Seton Hall in overtime 80-79

https://youtu.be/E-sV-0zz93k?t=8m50s

NBA

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Michael Jordan (CHI) – 32.5

Rebounds Per Game: Hakeem Olajuwon (HOU) – 13.5

Assists Per Game: John Stockton (UTAH) – 13.6 

All-NBA Team

Charles Barkley (PHI)

Magic Johnson (LAL)

Michael Jordan (CHI)

Karl Malone (UTAH)

Hakeem Olajuwon (HOU)

MVP: Magic Johnson (LAL)

Rookie of the Year: Mitch Richmond (GSW)

NBA Finals: Detroit Pistons over Los Angeles Lakers (4-0)

Football

NCAA 

Heisman Trophy

Andrew Ware, University of Houston 

National Champion

(2) Miami over (7) Alabama 33-27 Sugar Bowl, (1) Colorado lost to (4) Notre Dame 6-21 Orange Bowl

NFL

League Leaders

Passing Yards: Don Majkowski (GB) – 4,318

Passing Touchdowns: Jim Everett (LA) – 29

Passer Rating: Joe Montana (SF) – 112.4

Rushing Yards: Christian Okoye (KC) – 1,480

Rushing Touchdowns: Greg Ball (LA) – 15

Receiving Yards: Jerry Rice (SF) – 1,483

Receiving Touchdowns: Jerry Rice (SF) – 17

Receptions: Sterling Sharpe (GB) – 90

AP MVP: Joe Montana (SF)

Super Bowl: San Francisco 49ers over Denver Broncos 55-10

Super Bowl 29

Hockey

League Leaders

Goals: Mario Lemieux (PIT) – 85

Assists: Wayne Gretzky (LA) & Mario Lemieux (PIT) – 114

Points: Mario Lemieux (PIT) – 199

Hart Memorial Trophy

Wayne Gretzky (LA)

Stanley Cup

Calgary Flames over Montreal Canadiens (4-2)

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.

Checkout past #TBT Years in Review 

2011

2006

1998

1987

#TBT Year in Review: 2006

I graduated high school in 2006…but that’s not why you called

  • NASA launched the first space mission to Pluto.
  • Twitter was founded and launched.
  • No. 5, 1948 by Jackson Pollock became the most expensive painting, selling for $140 .million
  • Former Iraq president Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging.
  • Actor Peter Boyle passed away at the age of 71.  

And this is what we saw from the worlds of Movies, Music, and Sports!

Movies

Comedy

Borat, Grandma’s Boy, The Break-Up, The Devil Wears Prada,  Idiocracy, John Tucker Must Die, Little Miss Sunshine, Beerfest, Benchwarmers, A Good Year, Nacho Libre, Accepted, Employee of the Month, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, You, Me and Dupree, The Pink Panther, Clerks II, Man of the Year, AND…

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Action/Thriller

Superman Returns, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, X-Men: The Last Stand, Deja Vu, Crank, Mission Impossible III, The Prestige, Inside Man, Running Scared, Lucky Number Slevin, Children of Men, Miami Vice, The Sentinel, The Marine, The Illusionist, Underworld: Evolution, Smokin’ Aces, 16 Blocks, Snakes on a Plane, The Da Vinci Code, Apocalypto, Poseidon, Silent Hill, The Good Shepard, The Hills Have Eyes, AND…

Casino Royale

Drama

Babel, The Lake House, Pans Labyrinth, The Pursuit of Happiness, Children of Men, The Queen, United 93, The Lives of Others, The Fountain, Rescue Dawn, Blood Diamond, The Black Dahlia, Invincible, The Last King of Scotland, Tristan & Isolde, Lady in the Water, Marie Antoinette, Gridiron Gang, The Last Kiss, Find Me Guilty, We Are Marshall, The Nativity Story, Candy, Flyboys, Rocky Balboa, AND…

The Departed

Animated

Happy Feet, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Over the Hedge, Open Season, The Ant Bully, A Scanner Darkly, Monster House, Curious George, The Wild, Barnyard, AND…

Cars

The 79th Academy Awards

Best Actor

  • Leonardo Dicaprio, Blood Diamond
  • Peter O’Toole, Venus
  • Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson
  • Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happiness
  • Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland – Winner

Best Supporting Actor

  • Jackie Earle Haley, Little Children
  • Djimon Honsou, Blood Diamond
  • Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls 
  • Mark Whalberg, The Departed
  • Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine – Winner

Best Actress

  • Kate Winslet, Little Children
  • Penelope Cruz, Volver 
  • Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal
  • Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada
  • Helen Mirren, The Queen – Winner

Best Supporting Actress

  • Adriana Barraza, Babel
  • Cate Blanchet, Notes on a Scandal
  • Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine
  • Rinko Kikuchi, Babel
  • Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls – Winner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0wU38NIzxo

Best Picture

  • Little Miss Sunshine
  • The Queen
  • Babel
  • Letters of Iwo Jima
  • The Departed – Winner

Music

Rock Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hip Hop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Pop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Billboard Year-End Top 25

  1. “Bad Day” – Daniel Powter
  2. “Temperature” – Sean Paul
  3. “Promiscuous” – Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland
  4. “You’re Beautiful” – James Blunt
  5. “Hips Don’t Lie” – Shakira feat Wyclef Jean
  6. “Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield
  7. “Crazy” – Gnarls Barkley
  8. “Ridin” – Chamillionaire
  9. “SexyBack” – Justin Timberlake feat Timbaland
  10. “Check on It”- Beyonce
  11. “Be Without You” – Mary J. Blige
  12. “Grillz” – Nelly, Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp
  13. “Over My Head (Cable Car)” – The Fray
  14. “Me & U” – Cassie
  15. “Buttons” – Pussycat Dolls feat. Snoop Dogg
  16. “Run It!” – Chris Brown feat Juelz Santana
  17. “So Sick” – Ne-Yo
  18. “It’s Goin’ Down” – Yung Joc feat. Nitti
  19. “SOS” – Rihanna
  20. “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” – Panic! at the Disco
  21. “Move Along” – The All-American Rejects
  22. “London Bridge” – Fergie
  23. “Dani California” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
  24. “Snap Yo Fingers” – Lil Jon feat E-40 and Sean Paul
  25. “Lean wit It, Rock wit It” – Dem Franchize Boyz 

Sports

Baseball

League Leaders:

Offensive:

Average: Joe Mauer (MIN) – .347

Hits: Ichiro Suzuki (SEA) – 224

Home Runs: Ryan Howard (PHI) – 58

RBI: Ryan Howard (PHI) – 149

OPS: Albert Pujols (STL) – 1.102

Stolen Bases: Jose Reyes (NYM) – 64

Pitching:

Wins: Johan Santana (MIN) & Chien-Ming Wang (NYY) – 19

Strikeouts: Johan Santana (MIN) – 245

Complete Games: Aaron Harang (CIN) & CC Sabathia (CLE) – 6

Shutouts: Chris Carpenter (STL) – 3

Saves: Francisco Rodriguez (LAA) – 47

MVP:

AL – Justin Morneau (MIN)

NL – Ryan Howard (PHI)

CY Young

AL – Johan Santana (MIN)

NL – Brandon Webb (AZ)

Rookie of the Year

AL – Justin Verlander (DET)

NL – Hanley Ramirez (FLA) 

World Series: St Louis Cardinals over Detroit Tigers (4-1) 

Basketball

NCAA

Final Four:

(3) Florida, (2) UCLA, (11) George Mason, and (4) LSU

National Championship

(3) Florida over (2) UCLA 73-57

NBA 

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Kobe Bryant (LAL) – 35.4

Rebounds Per Game: Kevin Garnett (BOS) – 12.7

Assists Per Game: Steve Nash (PHX) – 10.5

All-NBA Team

Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Lebron James (CLE)

Steve Nash (PHX)

Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)

Shaquille O’Neal (MIA) 

MVP: Steve Nash (PHX)

Rookie of the Year: Chris Paul (NO)

NBA Finals: Miami Heat over Dallas Mavericks (4-2)

Football

NCAA

Heisman Trophy

Tim Tebow, Florida 

National Championship

Florida over Ohio State 41-14 in the Fiesta Bowl

NFL

League Leaders

Passing Yards: Drew Brees (NO) – 4,418

Passing Touchdowns: Peyton Manning (IND) – 31

Passer Rating: Peyton Manning (IND) – 101.0

Rushing Yards: LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) – 1,815

Rushing Touchdowns: LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) – 28

Receiving Yards: Chad Johnson (CIN) – 1,369

Receptions: Andre Johnson (HOU) – 103

Receiving Touchdowns Terrell Owens (DAL) – 13

AP MVP

LaDainian Tomlinson (SD)

Super Bowl

This…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4YvkD95Iwk

And then…Indianapolis Colts over Chicago Bears 29-17

Hockey

League Leaders

Goals: Jonathan Cheechoo – 57

Assists: Joe Thornton (BOS/SJ) – 96

Points: Joe Thornton (BOS/SJ) – 125

Hart Memorial Trophy

Joe Thornton (BOS/SJ)

Stanley Cup:

Carolina Hurricanes over Edmonton Oilers (4-3)

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03

Also checkout past #TBT Years in Review

1998 & 1987

#TBT Year In Review: 1987

A new tradition on MichaelPiff.com…

We’ll be reviewing a different year each week #TBT…or Throwback Thursday…and we’ll do so by looking over what happened in the worlds of Movies, Music, and Sports!

For fun, we’ll start with 1987…my birth year.

Take a look and feel free to add on in case something was overlooked.

Movies

Action

RoboCop, The Untouchables, Lethal Weapon. Running Man, Beverly Hills Cop II, Over The Top, Adventures in Babysitting, The Living Daylights (James Bond) and…

Predator

Comedy  

Good Morning, Vietnam, Spaceballs, Plains, Trains and Automobiles, Dragnet, Overboard, Three Men and A Baby, Roxanne, Summer School, The Secret of My Success, and…

The Princess Bride

Horror 

Hellraiser, The Lost Boys, The Witches of Eastwick, Nightmare on Elm Street 3, Jaws: The Revenge, and…

Evil Dead II

Also…

Wall Street, Raising Arizona, Moonstruck, Dirty Dancing, Full Metal Jacket, Fatal Attraction, La Bamba, The Last Emperor

The 60th Oscars Nominees/Winners

 Best Picture

            Broadcast News

            Fatal Attraction

            Hope and Glory

            Moonstruck

            The Last Emperor – Winner

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyJvs4pMWv8

             

Best Actor

            William Hurt, Broadcast News

            Jack Nicholson, Ironweed

            Marcello Mastroianni, Dark Eyes

            Robin Williams, Good Morning, Vietnam

            Michael Douglas, Fatal Attraction – Winner

  Best Actress

            Glenn Close, Fatal Attraction

            Holly Hunter, Broadcast News

            Sally Kirkland, Anna

            Meryl Streep, Ironweed

            Cher, Moonstruck – Winner

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMtRKgzI27c

          

 

Best Supporting Actor

            Albert Brooks, Broadcast News

            Vincent Gardenia, Moonstruck

            Morgan Freeman, Street Smart

            Denzel Washington, Cry Freedom

Sean Connery, The Untouchables – Winner

 

Best Supporting Actress

            Norma Aleandro, Gaby: A True Story

            Anne Archer, Fatal Attraction

            Anne Ramsey, Throw Momma From The Train

            Ann Southern, The Whales of August

Olympia Dukakis, Moonstruck – Winner

Music

Rock Albums         

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

                      

Pop Albums

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

           

 

 

 

Billboard Year-End Top 20 

  1. “Walk Like An Egyptian” – The Bengals
  2. “Alone” – Heart
  3. “Shake You Down” – Gregory Abbot
  4. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
  5. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” – Starship
  6. “C’est La Vie” – Robbie Nevil
  7. “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake
  8. “The Way It Is” – Bruce Hornsby and the Range
  9. “Shake Down” – Bob Seger
  10. “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
  11. “La Bamba” – Los Lobos
  12. “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” – Wang Chung
  13. “Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Crowded House
  14. “Always” – Atlantic Starr
  15. “With or Without You” – U2
  16. “Looking for a New Love” – Jody Watley
  17. “Head To Toe” – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
  18. “I Think We’re Alone Now” – Tiffany
  19. “Mony Mony” – Billy Idol
  20. “At This Moment” – Billy Vera And the Beaters

Sports

Baseball

Offensive Leaders:

Average: Tony Gwynn (SD)  –  .370

Hits: Tony Gwynn (SD) – 218

Home Runs: Mark McGwire (OAK) & Andre Dawson (CHC) – 49

RBIs: Andre Dawson (CHC) – 137

On-base Plus Slugging Percentage: Jack Clark (STL) – 1.055

Stolen Bases: Vince Coleman (STL) – 109

Pitching:

Wins: Roger Clemons (BOS) & Dave Stewart (OAK) – 20

ERA: Jimmy Key (TOR) – 2.76

Strikeouts: Nolan Ryan (HOU) – 270

Complete Games: Roger Clemens (BOS) – 18

Shutouts: Roger Clemens (BOS) – 7

MVP:

AL: George Bell (TOR)

NL: Andre Dawson (CHC)

CY Young:

AL: Roger Clemens (BOS)

NL: Steve Bedrosian (PHI)

Rookie of the Year:

AL: Mark McGwire (OAK)

NL: Benito Santiago (SD)

World Series: Minnesota Twins over St. Louis Cardinals (4-3)

Basketball

NCAA:

Final Four:

(1) Indiana, (2) Syracuse, (1) UNLV, and (6)Providence

National Championship:

(1) Indiana over (2) Syracuse 74-73

NBA

League Leaders:

Points Per Game: Michael Jordan – 37.1

Rebounds Per Game: Charles Barkley – 14.6 

Assists Per Game: Magic Johnson – 12.2

All-NBA Team:

Larry Bird (BOS)

Magic Johnson (LAL)

Michael Jordan (CHI)

Kevin McHale (BOS)

Hakeem Olajuwon (HOU)

MVP: Magic Johnson (LAL)

Rookie of the Year: Chuck Person (IND)

NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers over Boston Celtics (4-2)

Football

NCAA

Heisman Trophy Winner:

Tim Brown, Notre Dame 

National Championship:

University of Miami over Oklahoma – 20-14 in the Orange Bowl 

Jimmy The U

NFL

League Leaders:

Passing Yards: Neil Lomax (STL) – 3,387

Passing Touchdowns: Joe Montana (SF) – 31

Passer Rating: Joe Montana (SF) – 102.1

Rushing Yards: Charles White (LA) – 1,374

Rushing TDs: Johnny Hector (NYJ) & Charles White (LA) – 11

Receptions: J.T. Smith (STL) – 91

Receiving Yards: J.T. Smith (STL) – 1,117

TD Receptions: Jerry Rice (SF) – 22

MVP – John Elway (DEN)

Super Bowl XXII – Washington over Denver 42-10

Super Bowl MVP – QB Doug Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1HHxCPgd8w

Hockey

NHL League Leaders:

Goals: Wayne Gretzky (62)

Assists: Wayne Gretzky (121)

Points: Wayne Gretzky (183)

Hart Memorial Trophy: Wayne Gretzky

Stanley Cup:

Wayne Gretzky aka Edmonton over Philadelphia (4-3)

Gretzky Cup

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.

Mad Men of MLB

They premiered the same night…

The “Final Episodes” of Mad Men and the 2015 Major League baseball season.  Both gave us the feel of nostalgia, with some new little twists as well…

ESPN with their K-Zone and Roger with his Mustache.

image2 (2)

The both have served as our pastime. They have captured American history in their own ways. They have kept us at the edge of our seats with drama unlike any other. They are also both HEAVILY sponsored.

As we say “goodbye” to one and “hello” to the other, let’s compare further and identify the true “Mad Men” of MLB.

Pete Campbell / Bryce Harper, Nationals

image3 (1)

Pete Campbell and Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals ascended to stardom very quickly in their own way. Harper has an NL Rookie of the Year and a couple of All-Star games to his name while Pete has “Partner” as a title and Clearasil. While both are very successful, they’re also polarizing and even hated by fans. Although they may rub people the wrong way, you will rarely see them with their heads down due to a wealth of confidence…unless Pete’s in trouble.

Don Draper / Derek Jeter, Yankees

image4 (1)

Derek Jeter may be retired, but Don Draper began his farewell tour last year too. They were the faces of their organizations and legends of their craft. While Don and Jeter may not have been putting out their best work at times, they were still perennial all-stars. They also could field a pretty strong batting lineup with both of their dating histories. And they both could sell ANYTHING

Peggy Olson / Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies

image5 (1)

Peggy Olson was Don’s protege and Troy Tulowitzki has taken the reigns as the best shortstop in the league post-Jeter. The time is now for both of them. Tulowitzki has been held back by injuries while Peggy was held back by sexism in her industry. And as they show off their talents, they have become hot commodities to other teams as well.

Roger Sterling / Tony La Russa

image6 (1)

I attended Tony La Russa’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony last summer, and listening to him talk about his days as both a player and a manager reminded me of the war stories Roger Sterling tells to his clients. Neither one can stay away from the game as Roger continues to sell whatever he can while La Russa just recently took a job as chief baseball officer for the Diamondbacks. Neither one minds a midday cocktail either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NASspMMnjxo

Joan Harris / Jose Abreu, White Sox

image7 (1)

On the outside, Jose Abreu is a 6’2, 260 pound Cuban baseball Jedi and Joan is a redhead with curves like a Formula One track. These two have a lot more in common than you’d think…They both joined the majors late in their careers but made an instant impact when they got there. Joan spent years in the secretary ranks and jumped to partner while Abreu went from playing for the Cuban national team for years to MLB All-Star and unanimous AL Rookie of the Year. They also have the savviness and experience to adjust on the fly and last for a long time to come.

Ken Cosgrove / Billy Hamilton, Reds

image8 (1)

I think we all have our favorite characters from TV shows that are no more than supporting to the story, and won’t even appear in some episodes. Ken Cosgrove is exactly one of those characters for me because he is the “Mr. Hustle” for the Sterling Cooper agency. The same can be said about Billy Hamilton of Cincinnati, whose 56 stolen bases in his first full season ranked him 2nd in the majors. Hamilton’s OBP isn’t the best for a leadoff man (.290), neither is Cosgrove’s, but he makes the opponent pay when he gets his chances.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmxGNpJYwY4

Betty Francis / Max Scherzer, Nationals

image9 (1)

I guess this could be said about many of Scott Boras’s clients, but Betty Francis (formerly Draper) is a money chaser. Max Scherzer was one of the last high priority free agents to sign this past winter because he was waiting on the 7 year, $210 million deal that Washington happened to have lying around. And he gets to count his cash like Scrooge McDuck when he isn’t pitching every 5th day in the league’s deepest rotation. So another name that we call Betty applies to Scherzer…Frontrunner. However, there’s a reason they got to where they are now…

Megan Draper / Mike Trout, Angels

image10 (1)

Out with the Betty, in with the new…Megan Draper, I mean. Megan was Don’s MVS (most valuable secretary), so much so that he put a ring on it. Megan also took advantage of the opportunity quickly, much like Mike Trout when he hit the big leagues. Both were under-appreciated at first, as Trout was working for an MVP nod and Megan continuously auditioned for TV roles. Both got what they wanted and both are California dreaming.

Stan Rizzo / Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

image11 (1)

Besides the obvious (last name), both actually have a lot in common. Both Stan and Anthony had rough starts to their careers. Anthony only hit .141 in his first Major League stint with the Padres, and Stan was a sexist jerk…Both have improved immensely and serve as glue guys for their respective teams. Stan grew a beard, found recreational drugs, became best buds with Peggy and is no longer a jerk. Anthony has become an All-Star and isn’t afraid to mix it up with opponents to defend his teammates. Yep, glue guys.

Agree? Disagree? Have some more Player/Character comparisons? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.

#NationalPuppyDay in Sports

No case of the Mondays here…

It’s #NationalPuppyDay!

I can’t be alone in greatly enjoying the cuteness overload on social media today. I have an epic thread of puppy photos being posted by friends on my own Facebook page. But I digress…

Let’s take a look at what sports clubs and outlets are posting from all over.

Starting with HANK…The Milwaukee Brewers Mascot Puppy…

Detroit Tigers

Chicago White Sox

NBA on TNT

San Francisco 49ers

SportsNet LA

Cincinnati Bengals

Golden State Warriors

Green Bay Packers

Georgetown Hoyas

Kansas City Chiefs

WWE

MLB GIFs (I heart this handle)

Calgary Flames

Arizona Diamondbacks

America’s Pregame on FOX Sports 1

Portland Winterhawks

UFC

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Portland Trailblazers

Baltimore Ravens

Anaheim Ducks

New England Patriots

Seattle Mariners

Detroit Pistons

San Jose Sharks

NBC Sports Network

Butler University

Cleveland Browns

Minnesota Vikings

Washington Huskies

NFL Network

Breeders Cup

San Diego Chargers

San Antonio Spurs

Duquesne University

Buffalo Bills

Atlanta Braves

Orlando Magic

Cal University

University of Georgia

Penn State

Colorado Rockies

St. Louis Rams

Oakland Raiders

Arizona Cardinals

 Feel free to Tweet your own #NationalPuppyDay picks to me at @Mike_PiFF03 and maybe we’ll feature them in a followup post.