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The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the NFL, having formed in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago. Originally located in Normal Park on Chicago's Racine Avenue, the team changed its name to the Racine Normals in 1899. They finally adopted the nickname of Cardinals after the team started wearing uniforms inherited from the University of Chicago that were a faded maroon color. The reddish uniforms prompted then owner Charlie O'Brien to label them as "Cardinal Red", thus the Cardinals moniker was coined. In 1933 a Vice President of the Chicago Bears named Charles W. Bidwill, Sr. bought the Cardinals. He paid $50,000 for the team.
In 1920, the club became a charter member of the NFL and once again changed their name, this time to the Chicago Cardinals. In 1922 the team moved to Chicago and played at Comiskey Park. The team played there for 37 years. In that same year the team joined the NFL. They called themselves the Chicago Cardinals. In 1925 the NFL championship was still determined by the best record, and not by a playoff season. In that year the Cardinals were awarded their first NFL championship. Because of the war, the Cardinals combined with the Pittsburgh Steelers to play as one team in 1944. The team was called was called Card-Pitt.
After many years of less-than-stellar performance, the Cardinals reclaimed the NFL championship title in 1947. This was the only time that the Cardinals won a championship by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 28-21 to win a championship title game. In 1960 the franchise pulled up roots and moved south to St. Louis where they played for the next 28 seasons.
In 1988, the Cardinals headed west to Arizona, where they were known as the Phoenix Cardinals until opting to change their name to the Arizona Cardinals in 1994. In 1998 the Arizona Cardinals finally ended the team's 15-year playoff drought and achieved their first postseason victory since 1947.
2006 marked the debut of the Arizona Cardinals' new stadium in Glendale. Shortly after opening the stadium it was named the University of Phoenix Stadium. No more hot August and September nights! This stadium is an air-conditioned, state-of-the-art facility.
2008 proved to be a magical year for Arizona Cardinals. They finished the season 9-7, won the NFC West and beat the Carolina Panthers on their home turf for the National Division Championship. Playing in their first Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Tampa, they almost took the big prize but were defeated in the last few minutes.
With their last championship in 1947 when they were the Chicago Cardinals, they had the second longest stretch without a championship of any American professional sports team and only beaten by the Chicago Cubs, who last won the World Series in 1908.
PLAYER PROFILE:
Hall Of Famer
Johnny Unitas' football career began at St. Justin's, a small Catholic high school in Pittsburgh, where he played halfback and end until he replaced the injured starting quarterback early in his junior year. As a senior, he drew interest from some colleges, but was turned down by Notre Dame, the college he had hoped to play for.
He eventually accepted a scholarship from Louisville, where as a freshman he took over the starting job and led the Cardinals to four wins. Unitas also played safety, but much of his college career was slowed by injury.
Considered by many to be the greatest quarterback of all time, he was cut from his first pro team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, after the head coach proclaimed Unitas was not intelligent enough to be a quarterback.
He played semi-pro ball until the Baltimore Colts offered him a $7,000 contract in 1956. When an injury to starter George Shaw gave him his first opportunity, Unitas responded by throwing an interception on his first pass and fumbling a handoff on his next play.
He rebounded that season by setting a rookie record for completion percentage at 55.6, and tossed a modest nine touchdown passes.
During his 18 year NFL career, 17 years with the Colts before playing his final season with the San Diego Chargers, he led the Colts to three NFL championships, including one Super Bowl, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
At the time of his retirement, he held records for the most pass attempts (5,186), most completions (2,830), most total yards (40,239), most touchdowns (290), most 300-yard games (26), and most consecutive games throwing touchdown passes (47). He also had three seasons of 3000+ passing yards.
Career Highlights
Player of the Year: 1959, 1964, 1967
NFL MVP: 1959, 1964, 1967
Player of the Decade: 1960s
Ten Pro-Bowl selections
Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1979
Named Greatest Player in the First 50 Years of Pro Football
Named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team
Championship Teams
1958 NFL Championship - Baltimore 23, NY Giants 17
1959 NFL Championship - Baltimore 31, NY Giants 16
Super Bowl V - Baltimore 16, Dallas 13
Active Player
Peyton Manning, Quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. He wears number 18 in honor of Johnny Unitas. Peyton was born in New Orleans on March 24, 1976. He attended Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. He played football for the University of Tennessee and was drafted by the Colts in the first round (No. 1 overall) in 1998. The player draft right before Peyton was Ryan Leaf, QB Washington State by San Diego. Ryan, who?
At the end of his junior year at the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning found himself in an enviable position. The star quarterback of the Tennessee Volunteers had already acquired enough credits to graduate with honors and was certain to be the first pick in the 1997 NFL draft. He stunned the football world by passing up the chance to go pro at age 21, choosing instead to remain in school another year and continue his studies. When he graduated in 1998, he received Phi Beta Kappa honors and the coveted Sullivan Award as the nation's premier student athlete, a prize based on character and leadership as well as athletic performance.
Since joining the Indianapolis Colts as the first pick in the 1998 NFL draft, he has shattered the league's records for passing and scoring. In his first nine seasons, Manning has completed more passes, and thrown for more yards and more touchdowns than any other player in a comparable span of time. He has been named Most Valuable Player in the regular season four times (first player to win The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award four times), and has made seven Pro Bowl appearances. He has also recorded four perfect games, another NFL record. In 2007, he led the Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI, winning Most Valuable Player honors in the championship contest.
Recently, Peyton became the fourth player in NFL history to pass for at least 50,000 yards during his game against the New York Jets.
Super Bowl XLIV
The 44th annual edition of the Super Bowl and the 40th annual championship game of the modern-era National Football League (NFL), after its 1970 merger with the American Football League (AFL, 1960-1969). The game will be played at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This marks the tenth time a Super Bowl will have played in the South Florida area: five times the game has been held at Dolphin Stadium; the other five were played at the Orange Bowl. The game will be played on February 7, 2010, the latest date of any Super Bowl played during the calendar year. The game will be televised in the United States on CBS, which will celebrate coverage of its 50th NFL season (1956–93; 1998–present).
Did You Know... In 1933, NFL officials adopted rules specifically for the NFL and discontinued the use of collegiate rules.
2010 Mock NFL Draft (first 10 picks)
1. St. Louis Rams
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
There two ways the Rams could go in this 2010 NFL Mock Draft. They could go after a potential franchise QB in either Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) or Sam Bradford (Oklahoma). Clausen is the rated top QB prospect by most NFL draft experts. It’s a tough decision, but I don’t think you pass up the chance to get Suh. Suh is unanimously considered the best player in the draft. He could be the most dominant prospect to ever enter the NFL Draft.
2. Detroit Lions
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State or Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Lions need so much; it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why I chosen two players as possible selections in this mock 2010 NFL dreft. They really need a stud LT. Russell Okung is a force on the left side and he can help both the run and the pass game for years to come.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gerald McCoy, DT, OU or S Eric Berry, Tennessee
Like the Loins there are so many needs. If the Loins don’t take Gerald McCoy, I think he would be a good fit for Tampa Bay. McCoy is a stud in the middle and he can play both the pass and the run.
If McCoy is not on the board, I think Eric Berry would be the Bucs top choice. He is the best safety to enter the draft since former Redskin's Sean Taylor. Eric Berry will be a Pro Bowl safety in the NFL. He has the talent to even play some cornerback if needed.
4. Washington Redskins
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Noter Dame
I would be surprised if Jason Campbell is back in 2010. In this 2010 NFL Mock Draft the Redskins will have their pick of QB’s. Clausen is the top rated QB and has a NFL size of 6' 3" and 217 lbs and a strong arm. Developed by offensive guru Charlie Weis and playing in a pro style offense will help him in the NFL. Sam Bradford is an outside possibility.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State or Anthony Davis, T, Rutgers
If Okung is still available, I think the Chiefs go in that direction. He can come in right away and start at left tackle. Okung plays with an attitude and has NFL size at 6' 5" and 303 lbs. He is by far the best tackle in a weak O-line class.
If Okung is gone, the Chiefs probably will look at Anthony Davis. They spent a lot to get Matt Cassell and now they need to protect their investment. Davis has been moving up draft boards and he is considered by many to be the second OT in the 2010 NFL Draft behind Okung. They need to protect Cassell and get a guy to help the run game as well.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee or Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
If the Seahawks are thinking defense and Eric Berry is still available, they could end up getting the biggest steal in this 2010 NFL Mock Draft. Berry is a play maker and he can be the leader of a defense right away. He is considered to be one of the smartest defensive players in college football.
If Berry is gone, you might see the Seahawks looking for a replacement for Matt Hasselbeck who is getting old and has had durability issues. Assuming Clausen is also gone, look for Seattle to pick Sam Bradford. He is the most accurate passer in college football. He probably would have been a top five pick if he would have entered the 2009 NFL Draft.
7. Cleveland Browns
Joe Haden, CB, Florida or Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
The Browns have had secondary issues the past couple years. Unless Eric Berry is still available, I believe the Browns will select Joe Haden. He is the top rated CB in this 2010 NFL Mock Draft. He is a shut down corner that could come in and start right away.
If the Browns decide to go offense they could be interested in Dez Bryant, a big play receiver. He was suspended for 2009 due to NCAA violations. Missing the season shouldn't hurt him if he works out well at the NFL Scouting Combine.
8. Oakland Raiders
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland or Brian Price, DT, UCLA
If the Raiders are thinking offense, then I have them selecting Bruce Campbell. Of the OT’s in this 2010 NFL Mock Draft he is the most athletic and has a lot of upside. After
However, if defense is the priority, then I see them taking Brian Price. At 6' 2", 300 lbs he has recorded an amazing 22.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks this season. He is very strong, quick and disruptive on the inside. Possibly the next Warren Sapp.
9. Buffalo Bills
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma or CB Joe Haden, Florida
If the new coach is looking for offense and Sam Bradford is still available I think that he would be their choice. If Bradford is gone and they think they can get more with a defensive pick I think they go after Joe Haden (if he is available) At 5' 11" 195 lbs he is a ball hawk and can also come up an make the spectacular tackle.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Price, DT, UCLA or Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
I think the Jaguars look for defensive help. If Brian Price is available
I see them taking him. This year is a very good year for DT’s.
Now if Price is gone, the Jaguars can take Derrick Morgan. He is 6' 4", 275 lbs. He recorded 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss this year. This is a strong year for pass rushers and Morgan is as good as it gets.
The Topps Company was founded in 1938 as Topps Chewing Gum, and in its early years produced a popular penny "Topps Gum" from a factory in Brooklyn, N.Y. After World War II, the company developed Bazooka Bubble Gum, and in 1950, added trading cards to its product line. Baseball cards appeared in 1951. In July 2003, Topps acquired WizKids, LLC a designer and marketer of collectible strategy games. Topps maintains offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, and Argentina, in addition to the U.S.
Topps also manufactures the popular lollipop brands marketed as Ring Pops, Push Pops, Baby Bottle Pops and other novelty candy and gum products. Now headquartered in New York City, the company has worldwide distribution, annual net sales for Fiscal 2006 of $293,838,000, and employs over 487 people worldwide.
Baseball cards are one of the most enduring hobbies that can be found in the US. The many different teams and players all add to this rich history of baseball card collecting. While there are many companies that produce baseball cards, baseball cards Topps are considered to be among the finest. The cards which have been produced by this company have set the standard that many of us see as being the best way to get to know more about our favorite players.
The Topps baseball cards were first introduced to the public in 1951. They quickly became a vital part of pop culture, a tradition that continues to this day, and includes football and basketball. At this time the baseball cards produced by Topps were made in a red and black game oriented style. The size of the cards became the standard by which other card companies followed. The current size of the modern baseball cards can be found in a 2 ½ x 3 ½ card size. For the avid collectors there is a wealth of information that can be found on the reverse of these cards.
This is one of the traditions that the baseball cards Topps has never lost. Today as with the past cards the size and information all add up to having a great way to collect and still enjoy the art of collecting these cards. While all of the cards that are produced and released to the public by the Topps Company, these have yet to reach the level of reverence that the card sets of 1952 achieved.
Besides offering single baseball cards to collectors there are sets which can be bought for completion of your baseball collection.
Please paricipate in our current poll. Hideki Matsui 35(age) 25(hr) 292(ba) 106(rbi) 2(sb) 74(bb) 370(obp) 482(slg)
Johnny Damon 36(age) 16(hr) 288(ba) 76(rbi) 28(sb) 36(bb) 355(obp) 439(slg)
Nick Johnson 31(age) 19(hr) 273(ba) 80(rbi) 6(sb) 102(bb) 402(obp) 447(slg)
*Projected 162 game average
Our Heroes
Our heroes wore wool in August.
Starters went nine.
And sluggers called their shots.
Our heroes spiked.
Pitchers threw inside.
And no one charged the mound.
Our heroes played on grass.
They stole home.
And they played every day.
Our heroes played baseball.
Remember?
Baseball Records that will never be broken:
1. Most wins, lifetime, Cy Young, 511
Young’s record spanned the 1890s and baseball’s modern era. To break this record, a pitcher would need to win 25 games for 20 years…and even then, he comes up a dozen short. Next closest is Walter Johnson with 417 wins.
Some other pitching longevity records that seem certain to withstand the test of time: Jack Chesbro’s 41 wins for the New York Highlanders in 1904, Ed Walsh’s 464 innings pitched for the Chicago White Sox in 1908; Walter Johnson’s 110 shutouts and Nolan Ryan’s 5714 career strikeouts.
Speaking of Nolan Ryan here is a list of some of the MLB records held by Nolan Ryan...
Most strikeouts, lifetime: 5714
Longest service: 27 years
Most no-hitters, career: 7
Most strikeouts, season: 383 (AL, 1973)
Most seasons, 200+ strikeouts: 15
Most seasons, 300+ strikeouts: 6
Most consecutive strikouts, game: 8
Most low-hit (0/1 hit) games, career: 16
Most low-hit (0/1 hit) games, season: 3 (1973)
Most walks, career: 2795
Most seasons leading majors, walks: 8
Most strikouts per 9 innings, season: 11.48
Most strikouts per 9 innings, career: 9.57 (as of 1990)
Fewest hits allowed per 9 innings, season: 5.26 (1972)
Fewest hits allowed per 9 innings, career: 6.41 (as of 1990)
Oldest to pitch a no-hitter: 44 (5/1/91)
Fastest pitch (as listed in the Guiness Book Of World Records): 101.9 MPH
I think that having 7 no-hitters and 9 1 hitters is one of the most incredible records in all sports.
We'll add another record in the next post.
BASEBALL TERMS:
ASSIST Help from a fielder in putting an offensive player out. A fielder is credited with an assist when he throws a baserunner or hitter out at a base.
AT BAT The offensive team’s turn to bat the ball and score. Each player takes a turn at bat until three outs are made. Each Batter’s opportunity at the plate is scored as an "at bat" for him
BACKDOOR SLIDER A pitch that appears to be out of the strike zone, but then breaks over the plate.
Sports Quotes: "During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball."
-- Mickey Mantle
“I was thinking about making a comeback, until I pulled a muscle vacuuming.”
-Johnny Bench
Fun Fact - In 1877 George Shaffer, Louisville lead the National League in home runs with 3.
I assume that the reason you landed on my site is becauce 1) you like sportsl and 2) you like collecting sports memorabilia. If that is true then we have a lot in common. If you can’t find something you looking for at the Sports Booty Store or the Collectors Treasure Cove, please send us an e-mail and we will make every effort to find it for you.
One of the biggest reasons we collect "things" are the memories they bring back. The warm feelings we have looking at our sports collectibles, or the way these inanimate objects take us back to another time, makes the search and time spent worthwhile.
I grew up in a small town in New York during the 50s. You could buy a pack of cards for a quarter or less. We also did something that I try not think of. We took baseball cards and with clothes pins attached the card to the spokes of our bicycles. They made a cool noise. I hate thing of the cards that got destroyed (who knew?)
We would like to know how you got started and what keeps you doing it. We will publish the results. Your personal information will not be given to anyone.
