Online sites weigh in on Heroes game - 2009-06-17
Some local blogsphere reports on the 2009 event:
Eddie Sefko, dallasnews.com Mavericks blog
Batting practice:
Since this is the Mavericks' blog, we have to make sure to allude to at least something basketball related, so we'll tell you that James Singleton, the Mavericks' forward who is playing in the Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game tonight, went 0-for-3 in the home-run contest before the game.
In fact, only one celebrity got the ball as far as deep left field, which meant that Warren Sapp walked off with the "home run'' title with about a 300-foot whack.
It wouldn't have reached the Green Monster at Fenway Park, much less threatening to leave Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco.
Meanwhile, owner Mark Cuban also failed to get the ball out of the infield.
But at least they were up their taking their cuts, which takes a certain amount of guts.
Pre-game:
NBA players have more athleticism than those people in any other sport.
OK, unless you're talking about Brian Scalabrine.
But on average, their combination of size, speed and skill is unmatched.
Until you see them in the batting cage.
When it comes to baseball, basketball players simply have too big of a strike zone and too big of a swing to get around on pitches.
James Singleton was the latest to find out this truism when he took batting practice Friday at the practice session for Saturday night's eighth-annual Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball Classic.
He connected on a few balls after getting some pointers from some of the former baseball pros. But it was tough.
"I played in high school, but I got hit in the face with the ball off the bat and I haven't played since,'' said the Mavericks' 6-8 forward said. "I'm just out here to help the purpose. But it's tough. I need help.''
The purpose, by the way, is the Mike Modano Foundation.
Neighborsgo.com
Greg Tepper's interview videos from the Heroes game batting practice:
Mike Modano/Marty Turco
Joey Fatone
The Dallas Observer
Photographer Rachel Parker offers a slideshow here.
