Some WPIAL boys basketball coaching news. Gary Goga expected to be new coach at Canon-McMillan.
Gary coached the past five years at Keystone Oaks. Before that spent 15 seasons (2005-20) as Peters Twp. coach and won WPIAL title in 2009 and was Post-Gazette Coach of the Year.
I kept this story in my pocket for a long time....
In Pittsburgh, September 15th is Roberto Clemente Day.
Every year the whole organization fans out across the city. It's like Christmas. Roberto's family is there, Vera and the boys.
My first year as manager was 2011. We celebrated. We shook hands and moved on.
We didn't win.
19 consecutive losing seasons.
2012 rolls around. Same day, same celebration. We had another losing season, our 20th consecutive.
After the ceremony, Roberto Jr. walked over.
"My mom wants to talk to you."
We went into the dugout. Me, Vera, and her three sons.
She spoke in Spanish. I played four years of winter ball so I understood enough. She wasn't angry, but she was passionate. And I kept hearing Roberto's number come up.
Roberto Jr. translated.
"My mother wants you to know that there cannot be a 21st losing season. That was Roberto's number. It would be a disgrace to his legacy."
She was staring right at me.
Before I could even think about what to say, words came out of my mouth:
"I promise you, Vera. That won't happen."
Roberto Jr. looked at me and said, "You made my mom a promise. I hope you can keep it."
I said, "I hope I can keep it too."
I didn't tell my coaches. I didn't tell the players. I told my wife. That was it.
The next year, 2013, we broke the consecutive seasons losing streak. Ended it at 20.
On Roberto Clemente Day that September, Vera came walking across that field.
And I probably got one of the most meaningful hugs I've ever received in my life.
The players did all the heavy lifting. I just got the hug.
Some promises are worth making before you know if you can keep them.
@Pirates
I fully understand that guys can’t play 162 games but a lineup consisting of Triolo, Bart, Yorke, and Cook doesn’t give you a chance to win.
You should be trying to avoid Lowe and O’Hearn sitting on the same day as much as possible
Lowest ERA over the last 100 years
Min 300 IP
More Starts than Relief Appearances
1. Paul Skenes 2.01
2. Clayton Kershaw 2.53
3. José Fernández 2.58
3. Jacob deGrom 2.58
The #Braves today reinstated C Sean Murphy from the injured list after returning him from his rehabilitation assignment yesterday. The club designated C Jonah Heim for assignment.
if i had captain sidney crosby holding me and telling me “we’re not done” they would’ve needed to surgically remove the goalie pads off me idc if “the game ended two hours ago” my captain says we’re not done