Governor Herbert's Failing on Facebook

OK, this is just funny:

And then a few hours later:

What's so funny about that? Well, when you Google Utah Bees you get this:

You would think that the Governor (or whatever staffer is running his Facebook page) would know the name of the professional baseball team playing a couple miles down the street from the Capitol. Basketball and Hockey? Winter Sports, Utah names. Baseball and Soccer? Summer Sports, Salt Lake Names. At least he didn't call them the Buzz......

But, what do you expect from someone who pals around with the dark side?

The Governor's Caption?

"Met with another potential candidate for Utah's 4th Congressional seat. This guy's got potential."

At least someone has a sense of humor.

As for me, I'm going to go watch the Texas Mavericks play the Oklahoma Thunder and morn the state of my Salt Lake Jazz....

Sad News on Bees' Opening Day

MLB.com:

Angels rookie right-hander Nick Adenhart died early Thursday morning after a hit-and-run car accident in Fullerton, Calif.

The Angels said that Adenhart, 22, died as a result of his injuries after undergoing surgery at University of California-Irvine Medical Center. No other members of the Angels organization were involved, the club said.

"The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said in a statement issued by the club. "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family, friends' loved ones and fans."

A man and a woman who were with Adenhart were killed and another person was seriously injured in the accident, which involved three vehicles. Authorities were blaming the accident on a motorist who ran a red light with his van and then fled the scene on foot. He was later found and taken into custody.

Adenhart was one of four occupants in a silver Mitsubishi. Fullerton Police reported the Mitsubishi proceeded through an intersection, when a van ran a red light and broadsided the vehicle. The Mitsubishi slammed into a light pole.

Adenhart made his season debut against Oakland on Wednesday night, shutting out the A's for six innings in a game the Angels eventually lost, 6-4.

A 14th-round Draft choice in 2004, Adenhart made his Major League debut on May 1 last season and made three starts, winning one of them.

Adenhart is survived by his father Jim and mother Janet. His family released the following statement:

"Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone's hearts forever."

Adenhart played the last few years here in Utah as a member of the Salt Lake Bees. The Bees' home opener is scheduled for tonight at Spring Mobile Ballpark at 6:30 PM.

-Bob

Best story in sports

The best story in sports right now comes to us right here in Salt Lake City. It sn't the Jazz in the playoffs, nor the fact RSL actually won a game, nor the story of the Utah Blaze not winning a game yet. Rounding Third and Heading Home gives us the scoop:

The best story of the 2008 baseball season isn't happening in Boston, New York, Chicago, or even Tampa Bay. The story isn't being reported by national media outlets like USA Today or ESPN. Sadly, one of the most amazing stories in the history of modern professional baseball is getting very little coverage in the team's local market. But despite the lack of coverage, the Salt Lake Bees record setting [24-2] is a story in which every baseball fan should be interested. What the AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is accomplishing has never been seen before and probably won’t be seen again.

It is a shame the record setting performance of the Salt Lake Bees is not being recognized. With all happenings of the sports world it is unrealistic to expect the national media to spend much time on minor league baseball. But there is no excusing the local media for ignoring the Bees accomplishments.

I understand the attention that the Jazz gets by the local media. However, why is RSL, the Blaze, and even the Grizzlies (which is AA hockey) getting more print than the Bees?

The Bees are on pace to go 133-11 for the season.

-Bob

In Memory of "Net Man"

Between my two jobs, I meet many unique individuals.

One of those guys was known as "net man."

If you have been to a Salt Lake Bees baseball game, you know who I'm talking about. There was a gentleman who sat on the front row down the first base line, between the dugout and the bullpen. He had a long net that he used to scoop up foul balls.

What most people didn't see is what happened to those balls.

He would turn around and give them to kids. He'd usually try to hand them to a kid who was behaving themselves.

His reward was the smile on their faces.

Not only did he attend most Bes home games, but would also travel to one or two road series a season.

His name was Dave Pratt, who worked as a civilian contractor at Hill AFB.

He died last weekend. He will be missed.

-Bob