By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA For Jordany Valdespin, May 7 will always be a special day. On the seventh day in May of 2012, 11 days into his big-league career, he belted a pinch-hit three-run, ninth-inning homer off Jonathan Papelbon to lead the New York Mets to victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. "It was something special for me, something I will never forget," Valdespin … [Read more...] about It was May 7, so of course Jordany Valdespin homered
Kentucky Derby: Rubbin’ is racin’ … until there’s an ambulance and euthanized horse
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Until Saturday, "Country House" was just something featured every week on HGTV. But thanks to Kentucky Derby No. 145, it's now the latest two-word entry in the urban dictionary for controversy. Country House, an improving-by-the-day thoroughbred trained by Bill Mott, was declared the winner of the Kentucky Derby after the unofficial first-place … [Read more...] about Kentucky Derby: Rubbin’ is racin’ … until there’s an ambulance and euthanized horse
Nicolino battles without best stuff but Wings still lose
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Justin Nicolino left the bullpen after his pre-game warm-up on Sunday afternoon thinking he was ready to mow down the Pawtucket Red Sox. Four batters into the game, he was trying to work out of a bases-loaded jam thanks to three walks. "It's weird," Nicolino said, "because in the bullpen I felt great." This much we learned, however, during the 5-2 … [Read more...] about Nicolino battles without best stuff but Wings still lose
There’s no way to sugar-coat this Amerks playoff flop
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The team and league record books will forever show the Rochester Americans had a very good season in 2018-19. They'll be nothing but lies. Oh, that 46-23-5-2 record and 99 points the Amerks piled up will always look nice. But looks are deceiving. This franchise is far beyond taking consolation in regular-season accolades. When you haven't won a … [Read more...] about There’s no way to sugar-coat this Amerks playoff flop
Will this Amerks team be remembered only for failure?
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Sometimes legends for a lifetime within a minor league hockey city are made during the playoffs. For an example with the Rochester Americans, see Scott Nichol's Game 5 overtime heroics during the 1996 Calder Cup finals. See Jody Gage for his 14-goal playoff explosion during the run to the 1987 Calder Cup. See Jim Pappin for his 11-goal, 5-assist … [Read more...] about Will this Amerks team be remembered only for failure?