This is the singular time of year where you as a sports fan can blindly grab your remote hit a channel and more than likely land on something sports related. How? It's easy; this is the time of year when the four major sports intersect with each other. Baseball is headed to the playoffs, Football Season is off and running; The NHL regular season starts next week and the NBA pre-season kicks off this week. There is no other time where all the major sports can converge on your flat screen(s) giving you unlimited sports access to the point of infinite viewing jubilation.
If you're baseball team is out of the playoffs simply switch to football; football already looking bleak? Switch to hockey and if you are mad and upset with management just start following your basketball team. Conversely if your teams are doing well and have provided you with the adequate amount of optimism just enjoy yourself! As baseball winds down heading into winter, which just doesn't sound right, you can modify your sports menu from beer and wings to wings and beer with the occasional chips and dips. Check the thermostats, air filters and insert a fresh pack of batteries in the remote and know that this officially counts as "Honey-Do List" accomplishments. Especially if you have to go to the store to get more party supplies. I would simply suggest getting something specific for your lady to seal the deal including buying light bulbs in case the man cave lighting goes bad.
On the baseball side I would hope at some point MLB either shortens the season or brings back the double-header; the latter I doubt would ever happen as it would potentially create a revenue shortcoming. But it just doesn't seem right that snow would be potentially falling in the midst of a World Series game but stay tuned. The one ray of sunshine is that this is the best time to watch the sport that seems to have an issue with length of play among other things.
I think Hockey is growing albeit slowly and with more people of color entering the game, front and center ice, it will certainly help. I have grown to love and enjoy hockey minus the excessive fighting because the skill level and passing now is better than it's ever been. With stars like Ovechkin, Crosby, Kane and Fleury it's easy to get caught up in the excitement. With a great college Hockey Team close to Cincinnati, at Miami University in Oxford it certainly helps the cause of increasing the exposure and success of the sport.
We know the NFL is a juggernaut and the game is continuing to grow in popularity not just stateside but around the globe. The games in Europe will certainly increase as will I'm sure the revenue sharing. The NFL formula right now = success on and off the field. We now have football 3-4 days a week and we would probably embrace one more day if we could. The merchandise catalogue is thick and there isn't a product made that they wouldn't put a logo on.
The NBA on solid footing and even with the twilight career of players like Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Why? Because the league is in the prime of seasons for players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose while the emergence of Steph Curry, John Wall and Anthony Davis means the league is in the midst of its star succession plan keeping the game growing with an international appeal.
I have not forgotten about college football or basketball at all as they are the perfect compliment to this pro sports mega-season. But when it comes to watching sports played at the highest level, seeing all of them right now at the same time, there is no comparison. We all know that's exactly where a small percentage of the college players will and want to land next year and I will enjoy them as much as they enjoy their new found success and paychecks. I mean getting paid to do what you love is a blessing and sitting back enjoying it all in the fall isn't bad either, especially if your teams are doing well. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Saturday, September 26, 2015
SATURDAZE...
No matter where you live, in some part of this country and parts of the world you have time set aside to watch college football. The Saturday ritual has as many options as a college run and shoot offense. Sports Bars, garages while working on cars, home theaters, barber shops and many other venues serve as the unofficial gathering places for this fall Americana ritual.
Some are up bright and early tailgating and others up even earlier getting "things" out of the way including honey do's and don'ts; taking kids to sporting events and honoring forgotten promises that coincide with the big game. Flags are flying in every neighborhood separating neighbors and loved ones by colors, nicknames and mascot only to return to the weekly love fest first thing Sunday morning unless the same ritual applies to the NFL match ups.
College football can captivate even the most disinterested fan simply because the connection is not limited to sports. Your connection can be the result of your alma mater or your friend or family members school. You could live in the city or state and pride is the connection or you simply can't escape it because everywhere you turn there's a reminder even on the license plates in front of you. I am guilty as well and probably closer to excessive side of things. I will always watch and/or record the Michigan Wolverines and keep track of the competition in the Big Ten as well. But with so many great teams, coaches and players to fill up the Sunday Roster my interest requires a real wide bandwidth.
I and so many others I know can get lost in Saturday college football because even during a commercial break of the main game there is a pretty good second game to fill in the gap. And then you're gearing up for the marquee matchup and ultimately the night cap, prime time special. Some where in there you forget to take out the trash, mow the lawn and run to the store which means several yellow flags scattered around the house for unsportsmanlike conduct "failing to do your part around the house" are applied. The great thing about this penalty is no one speaks to you and you can finally watch the games without interruption. Now with remote securely in hand the rest of Saturday turns into a maze of one game on top of another with another in cue. And it doesn't stop until some time in January when the long overdue playoffs finally becoming part of the football landscape.
Saturdaze make the reality of summer fading and fall approaching easier to accept. In the midwest the winters have been brutal of late and quite frankly the best coping mechanism is a day of football complete with snacks, wings, drinks and a fully functioning DVR. I mean certain plays have to be viewed repeatedly as they elevate certain players to NFL draft status and I just need to know that. I also need to know that this blog update is over because halftime just concluded and I'm obligated to finish watching this game until the next one starts. That's the way I see sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.
Some are up bright and early tailgating and others up even earlier getting "things" out of the way including honey do's and don'ts; taking kids to sporting events and honoring forgotten promises that coincide with the big game. Flags are flying in every neighborhood separating neighbors and loved ones by colors, nicknames and mascot only to return to the weekly love fest first thing Sunday morning unless the same ritual applies to the NFL match ups.
College football can captivate even the most disinterested fan simply because the connection is not limited to sports. Your connection can be the result of your alma mater or your friend or family members school. You could live in the city or state and pride is the connection or you simply can't escape it because everywhere you turn there's a reminder even on the license plates in front of you. I am guilty as well and probably closer to excessive side of things. I will always watch and/or record the Michigan Wolverines and keep track of the competition in the Big Ten as well. But with so many great teams, coaches and players to fill up the Sunday Roster my interest requires a real wide bandwidth.
I and so many others I know can get lost in Saturday college football because even during a commercial break of the main game there is a pretty good second game to fill in the gap. And then you're gearing up for the marquee matchup and ultimately the night cap, prime time special. Some where in there you forget to take out the trash, mow the lawn and run to the store which means several yellow flags scattered around the house for unsportsmanlike conduct "failing to do your part around the house" are applied. The great thing about this penalty is no one speaks to you and you can finally watch the games without interruption. Now with remote securely in hand the rest of Saturday turns into a maze of one game on top of another with another in cue. And it doesn't stop until some time in January when the long overdue playoffs finally becoming part of the football landscape.
Saturdaze make the reality of summer fading and fall approaching easier to accept. In the midwest the winters have been brutal of late and quite frankly the best coping mechanism is a day of football complete with snacks, wings, drinks and a fully functioning DVR. I mean certain plays have to be viewed repeatedly as they elevate certain players to NFL draft status and I just need to know that. I also need to know that this blog update is over because halftime just concluded and I'm obligated to finish watching this game until the next one starts. That's the way I see sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
FOOTBALL IS IN OUR VEINS
Football has taken over. This isn't new or breaking news but it is for a simple thought...how? How did America's past time, baseball, succumb to the gritty, gridiron and gangster like gladiator style sport where broken bones, head banging and beating your opponent into the ground has become our number one choice? How did the ballet and explosiveness of the NBA yield to the juggernaut that is the ever growing multi-billion dollar revenue stream enterprise made up of 32 owners? What other sport gets our adrenaline flowing on a Thursday night or actually helps us face the alleged, worst day of the week Monday, with Monday Night Football?
I don't know how it happened or when; I don't know if it was magical or long range marketing but what I do know is football is now America's sport. It's what we talk about year round more than other sports in their off seasons. It's the game and the tailgating; the clothing and merchandise; it's even the affiliation with Mom in the stands, and the commercials and promotions that have helped to seal the deal. To think players with helmets whom you may not recognize without them have gained even more popularity is impressive. Foundations, camps and events bearing their name are commonplace. Mix in social media and you have 50+ players per team in the social media space versus 20-30+ players in basketball and baseball.
Whatever the answer is, football is here to stay and dominate like the legend of Steel Curtain or the Bill Walsh 49ers . We hang on each and every word, game and pregame show. We celebrated yet another time slot called Sunday Night Football and we'd probably start watch parties at clubs if they did Saturday nights games too. Club suites and private boxes seem to be more of a party and event than other sports suites due in part to the nature of the game. Other than Spike Lee very few fans are animated court side during basketball games and field seating at baseball games seem to be status symbols and client treats where you wonder is some of them even has a pulse.
What other sports have a winner take all championship game like the Super Bowl 50? And as number 50 gets here everyone is wondering what the NFL will do for halftime. Even artists are wondering what can they do to get on stage. They know being exposed to a mega millions base of fans in a fixed, if sober, position means increased sales, social media followers and concert demands. Even with a less than adequate Pro Bowl aka All-Star game the NFL has the most coveted sports franchise in America. They have now updated it's passport to not only head to Europe but like any explorer search for new ground. We know the world calls soccer football but before too long they made have to revert to actually saying soccer.
I don't know if and when the NFL Express will slow down, but at some point it has to; but I do know the NBA and MLB should be working harder than ever to be realistic about the opportunity when it presents itself and it might be now. With concussions and brain damage being directly attributed to playing football; with the donation of brains and tissue to the medical community and the encephalopathy revelation, even with the forthcoming Will Smith movie, the time might be at hand to at least start talking about your sports unique advantage. Good luck; Football is Ace, King and Queen and with women's fashion now exploding with dresses, shoes and nail design you other sports have a lot of work ahead you even though you may have even lead this fashion enterprise. If you don't act soon it will soon be third and long. I hope you have a play for that and see, I unintentionally used a football reference to make my point. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.
I don't know how it happened or when; I don't know if it was magical or long range marketing but what I do know is football is now America's sport. It's what we talk about year round more than other sports in their off seasons. It's the game and the tailgating; the clothing and merchandise; it's even the affiliation with Mom in the stands, and the commercials and promotions that have helped to seal the deal. To think players with helmets whom you may not recognize without them have gained even more popularity is impressive. Foundations, camps and events bearing their name are commonplace. Mix in social media and you have 50+ players per team in the social media space versus 20-30+ players in basketball and baseball.
 |
| Even players capitalized on marketing opportunities as well The Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Secondary aka The Swat Team featured David Fulcher, Solomon Wilcots, Eric Thomas and Lewis Billups. |
Whatever the answer is, football is here to stay and dominate like the legend of Steel Curtain or the Bill Walsh 49ers . We hang on each and every word, game and pregame show. We celebrated yet another time slot called Sunday Night Football and we'd probably start watch parties at clubs if they did Saturday nights games too. Club suites and private boxes seem to be more of a party and event than other sports suites due in part to the nature of the game. Other than Spike Lee very few fans are animated court side during basketball games and field seating at baseball games seem to be status symbols and client treats where you wonder is some of them even has a pulse.
 |
| New state of the art stadium designs typically have more aesthetic possibilities than other sports venues but who says they have to? |
I don't know if and when the NFL Express will slow down, but at some point it has to; but I do know the NBA and MLB should be working harder than ever to be realistic about the opportunity when it presents itself and it might be now. With concussions and brain damage being directly attributed to playing football; with the donation of brains and tissue to the medical community and the encephalopathy revelation, even with the forthcoming Will Smith movie, the time might be at hand to at least start talking about your sports unique advantage. Good luck; Football is Ace, King and Queen and with women's fashion now exploding with dresses, shoes and nail design you other sports have a lot of work ahead you even though you may have even lead this fashion enterprise. If you don't act soon it will soon be third and long. I hope you have a play for that and see, I unintentionally used a football reference to make my point. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
SPORTS INSIDE THE BOX
There was so much going on this past weekend in sports I'll just share a few thoughts and questions maybe even offer up a few suggestions.
First and foremost thank you for all the birthday wishes and the great thing about turning 60 is it now makes me eligible for 61. Move the scoreboard!
Lots of great games in the NFL depending who you were rooting for. The Cincinnati Bengals offense looked like it was in mid-season form posting 33 against the hapless Oakland Raiders but then again you should get points against a rebuilding team. Tyler Eifert showed when healthy, why he was a number one pick.
The Dallas Cowboys have more lives than a cat, but in fairness more bad luck than a broke man in a casino. They find a way, thanks to New York, to beat the Giants but lose their go to Wideout Dez Bryant to a broken bone in his foot. Jerry Jones has to be wondering if he should switch to Coke and Verizon to change his luck. Speaking of luck, Andrew didn't get any in Buffalo and the Bills appear to have the influence of Rex Ryan already as the beat Indy handily. It's week one but the Falcons defense looks like they just switched the jerseys with the Seahawks with their aggressive display last night. Dan Quinn must have stashed some unknown players in his suitcase because that is NOT the same Falcons defense we're use to seeing.
In the baseball world the playoffs are heating up and it won't include the Cincinnati Reds who are still wondering if Dusty Baker would have been a better fit than the current one. I don't think the Price is Right regardless of how much of a steal, price wise, they negotiated to sign Bryan Price. I think yes they could use more veterans but some of the things I hear, especially, trying to take down visible evidence of glory days gone by was the first sign he doesn't get life at the big league level.
I despise the St. Louis Cardinals because I root for the Reds but how can you knock a team that is always in the thick of things. A Bad season for them is second or third place but they just seem to find players and those players find ways to contribute in key moments. It's the same for Pittsburgh; they always seem to be there in the end so don't let the loss to New England fool you.
College football season has started and the power house teams are learning to quit scheduling what you think are automatic wins. This time it was Arkansas inviting Toledo to town and they fried up the Hogs' bacon and I'm sure the faithful are wondering what kind of year this is going to be. You wonder why Coach Bret Bielema would leave the Big Ten where he was getting top line players along side Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State to join the bottom feeding SEC schools for talent. If you're really good I doubt Arkansas is on your radar when deciding on an SEC school.
Oh well on a lighter note congrats to Marques Johnson for being tabbed to join his former team the Milwaukee Bucks as a TV analyst. Marques Johnson was not only an all star player but knows the game of basketball and conveys it to his audience in an understandable way. I hope to catch some of the Bucks games on NBA ticket just to hear him along side Gus Johnson, especially if someone hits a game winning buzzer beater...nobody does it like Gus!
Lastly it was indeed tough watching Serena Williams fall in the US Open semis ruining her natural Tennis Grand Slam but what she has done for the sport cannot be measured because the ripple effect is still occurring. She and Venus redefined who plays Tennis and how you get there and their Dad Richard deserves more credit than the traditional media will ever give him and that in and of itself is the tragedy of the sport.
Well football season is in full swing and baseball, wanting to play 162 games, will fade into the sunset playing post season possibly in November. I find it ridiculous to call them the "Boys of Summer" anymore; they should be the "Boys of Fall" and that should be the wake-up call; baseball needs to shorten its season or start earlier. It diminishes the playoffs in my opinion because we are a football society now with games on from Thursday Night to Monday Night and somewhere in between if time permits, we might watch a baseball game, to buy time until the next kickoff. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller
First and foremost thank you for all the birthday wishes and the great thing about turning 60 is it now makes me eligible for 61. Move the scoreboard!
Lots of great games in the NFL depending who you were rooting for. The Cincinnati Bengals offense looked like it was in mid-season form posting 33 against the hapless Oakland Raiders but then again you should get points against a rebuilding team. Tyler Eifert showed when healthy, why he was a number one pick.
 |
| Everyone thought a healthy Bengal Offense would put points on the board |
The Dallas Cowboys have more lives than a cat, but in fairness more bad luck than a broke man in a casino. They find a way, thanks to New York, to beat the Giants but lose their go to Wideout Dez Bryant to a broken bone in his foot. Jerry Jones has to be wondering if he should switch to Coke and Verizon to change his luck. Speaking of luck, Andrew didn't get any in Buffalo and the Bills appear to have the influence of Rex Ryan already as the beat Indy handily. It's week one but the Falcons defense looks like they just switched the jerseys with the Seahawks with their aggressive display last night. Dan Quinn must have stashed some unknown players in his suitcase because that is NOT the same Falcons defense we're use to seeing.
In the baseball world the playoffs are heating up and it won't include the Cincinnati Reds who are still wondering if Dusty Baker would have been a better fit than the current one. I don't think the Price is Right regardless of how much of a steal, price wise, they negotiated to sign Bryan Price. I think yes they could use more veterans but some of the things I hear, especially, trying to take down visible evidence of glory days gone by was the first sign he doesn't get life at the big league level.
I despise the St. Louis Cardinals because I root for the Reds but how can you knock a team that is always in the thick of things. A Bad season for them is second or third place but they just seem to find players and those players find ways to contribute in key moments. It's the same for Pittsburgh; they always seem to be there in the end so don't let the loss to New England fool you.
 |
| Michigan is already playing better thanks to the hiring of former QB Jim Harbaugh |
College football season has started and the power house teams are learning to quit scheduling what you think are automatic wins. This time it was Arkansas inviting Toledo to town and they fried up the Hogs' bacon and I'm sure the faithful are wondering what kind of year this is going to be. You wonder why Coach Bret Bielema would leave the Big Ten where he was getting top line players along side Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State to join the bottom feeding SEC schools for talent. If you're really good I doubt Arkansas is on your radar when deciding on an SEC school.
Oh well on a lighter note congrats to Marques Johnson for being tabbed to join his former team the Milwaukee Bucks as a TV analyst. Marques Johnson was not only an all star player but knows the game of basketball and conveys it to his audience in an understandable way. I hope to catch some of the Bucks games on NBA ticket just to hear him along side Gus Johnson, especially if someone hits a game winning buzzer beater...nobody does it like Gus!
Lastly it was indeed tough watching Serena Williams fall in the US Open semis ruining her natural Tennis Grand Slam but what she has done for the sport cannot be measured because the ripple effect is still occurring. She and Venus redefined who plays Tennis and how you get there and their Dad Richard deserves more credit than the traditional media will ever give him and that in and of itself is the tragedy of the sport.
 |
| The All-Star Game proved their is still fan interest but will they share their football season? |
Well football season is in full swing and baseball, wanting to play 162 games, will fade into the sunset playing post season possibly in November. I find it ridiculous to call them the "Boys of Summer" anymore; they should be the "Boys of Fall" and that should be the wake-up call; baseball needs to shorten its season or start earlier. It diminishes the playoffs in my opinion because we are a football society now with games on from Thursday Night to Monday Night and somewhere in between if time permits, we might watch a baseball game, to buy time until the next kickoff. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller
Saturday, September 12, 2015
60 BIRTHDAYS 60 SPORTS WISHES
I am not one of those people who shy away from their birthday because the numbers keep going upward. As I always say "You wake-up You win!™" and I wish my Mother could have seen sixty, even 50. So I'm blessed and thank GOD everyday I get one.
So as I reflect on 60 years on this earth (Sunday) I have 60 sports wishes that I'd like to share:
1) The Bengals make the playoffs again
2) The Bengals win playoff games
3) Marvin Lewis gets the respect he deserves
4) Tommy Tuberville stays at UC for ten more years
5) UC receives a bid to a power conference
6) Michigan beats Ohio State
7) Participation Trophies are eliminated
8) Parents let kids enjoy playing sports without imposing their unfulfilled dreams upon them
9) I get to do full time broadcast work
10) The NFL continues to go global
11) The NBA allows high school players to enter the league like they can the military
12) The Miami Heat make the playoffs
13) The U (Miami) returns to football prominence
14) LeBron James keeps doing great things on the court
15) LeBron James keeps doing great things off the court
16) Ten athletes match LeBron's level of giving
17) Inner city schools keep enough kids interested in sports to maintain teams
18) The coaching ranks on the pro level interview and hire minority coaches consistently
19) Pro athletes start preparing for their post sports career while they're playing
20) UC Basketball continues its ascension of success
21) UC basketball builds a new facility called "The Big Orena"
22) Ickey Woods continues his life as a pitch man on Madison Avenue
23) The Reds hire Hall of Famer Barry Larkin
24) Barry hires former Reds Teammates who already know how to win at the major league level
25) The Reds Caravan stops in Maysville, KY
26) Milt Stegall gets a job with one of the NFL in-studio shows
27) Tiger Woods finds a way to get his mojo back
28) The Bengals win this Sunday as a birthday gift to me
29) Kentucky and Louisville renew their rivalry for 100 years
30) The Crosstown Shootout never leaves UC and Xavier's campus
31) Venus and Serena never have to play each other unless it's in the finals
32) More young minorities take up golf, tennis and lacrosse
33) Floyd Mayweather acknowledge that Muhammad Ali is the greatest not him
34) Boxers from Cincinnati present themselves free from negative images
35) Marvin Lewis continues to do great things in our community and other coaches follow
36) Anthony Munoz keeps investing in our community and other local athletes follow
37) LaRosas's keeps the pizza promotions for strikeouts at the Reds games.
38) Montgomery Inn stays home to the coaches shows
39) The Reds get another All-Star Game within ten years
40) Pete Rose gets reinstated into the nobody's perfect Hall of Fame
41) Charles Barkley stays on TV so we can continually hear "Turrible"
42) TNT Sports never breaks up the team of Ernie, Charles and Kenny
43) NFL Ticket and Red Zone becomes standard
44) NBA Ticket becomes standard
45) Apple TV makes all sports part of their streaming
46) The Bengals win a Super Bowl in the next few years
47) Track and Field becomes a prime time sports platform in America
48) Morehead State Football returns to Division one scholarship football
49) Princeton high school football returns to its rightful and competitive place
50) I play more golf next year; way more golf next year
51) I get to attend the Masters Golf Tournament
52) The Bengals build a Bengals Football Hall of Fame
53) Barry Bonds becomes a Hall of Famer
54) Marty Brennaman never retires from the broadcast booth
55) Dusty Baker gets back in baseball as a manager
56) Billy Hamilton makes base stealing popular with kids
57) RBI attracts more inner city kids to baseball
59) Norwood Lateral is renamed Oscar Robertson Exchange
60) You share and subscribe to my blog
Yes I love sports and if you took the time to read my list you probably love sports too. You might even share in some of my wishes. That's the way I see it Sitting in The Box Seat.
 |
| Elementary School Maysville, Ky. |
So as I reflect on 60 years on this earth (Sunday) I have 60 sports wishes that I'd like to share:
1) The Bengals make the playoffs again
2) The Bengals win playoff games
3) Marvin Lewis gets the respect he deserves
4) Tommy Tuberville stays at UC for ten more years
5) UC receives a bid to a power conference
6) Michigan beats Ohio State
7) Participation Trophies are eliminated
8) Parents let kids enjoy playing sports without imposing their unfulfilled dreams upon them
9) I get to do full time broadcast work
10) The NFL continues to go global
 |
| With The Cobra, Dave Parker, a class act |
11) The NBA allows high school players to enter the league like they can the military
12) The Miami Heat make the playoffs
13) The U (Miami) returns to football prominence
14) LeBron James keeps doing great things on the court
15) LeBron James keeps doing great things off the court
16) Ten athletes match LeBron's level of giving
17) Inner city schools keep enough kids interested in sports to maintain teams
18) The coaching ranks on the pro level interview and hire minority coaches consistently
19) Pro athletes start preparing for their post sports career while they're playing
20) UC Basketball continues its ascension of success
 |
| The Prime Time Sports Show was a great 8 year run! |
21) UC basketball builds a new facility called "The Big Orena"
22) Ickey Woods continues his life as a pitch man on Madison Avenue
23) The Reds hire Hall of Famer Barry Larkin
24) Barry hires former Reds Teammates who already know how to win at the major league level
25) The Reds Caravan stops in Maysville, KY
26) Milt Stegall gets a job with one of the NFL in-studio shows
27) Tiger Woods finds a way to get his mojo back
28) The Bengals win this Sunday as a birthday gift to me
29) Kentucky and Louisville renew their rivalry for 100 years
30) The Crosstown Shootout never leaves UC and Xavier's campus
 |
| Celebrating my 2nd Place Finish at the Marty Brennaman Golf Classic |
31) Venus and Serena never have to play each other unless it's in the finals
32) More young minorities take up golf, tennis and lacrosse
33) Floyd Mayweather acknowledge that Muhammad Ali is the greatest not him
34) Boxers from Cincinnati present themselves free from negative images
35) Marvin Lewis continues to do great things in our community and other coaches follow
36) Anthony Munoz keeps investing in our community and other local athletes follow
37) LaRosas's keeps the pizza promotions for strikeouts at the Reds games.
38) Montgomery Inn stays home to the coaches shows
39) The Reds get another All-Star Game within ten years
40) Pete Rose gets reinstated into the nobody's perfect Hall of Fame
 |
| On the Shaker Run Golf Course with Houston Texan Johnathan Joseph and Former Bengal Artrell Hawkins |
42) TNT Sports never breaks up the team of Ernie, Charles and Kenny
43) NFL Ticket and Red Zone becomes standard
44) NBA Ticket becomes standard
45) Apple TV makes all sports part of their streaming
46) The Bengals win a Super Bowl in the next few years
47) Track and Field becomes a prime time sports platform in America
48) Morehead State Football returns to Division one scholarship football
49) Princeton high school football returns to its rightful and competitive place
50) I play more golf next year; way more golf next year
 |
| Ring Announcer for Golden Boy Promotions in Cincinnati |
52) The Bengals build a Bengals Football Hall of Fame
53) Barry Bonds becomes a Hall of Famer
54) Marty Brennaman never retires from the broadcast booth
55) Dusty Baker gets back in baseball as a manager
56) Billy Hamilton makes base stealing popular with kids
57) RBI attracts more inner city kids to baseball
59) Norwood Lateral is renamed Oscar Robertson Exchange
60) You share and subscribe to my blog
Yes I love sports and if you took the time to read my list you probably love sports too. You might even share in some of my wishes. That's the way I see it Sitting in The Box Seat.
Monday, September 7, 2015
LABOR DAY ALL STARS
Happy Labor Day to any and everyone who was put blood, sweat and tears into making the world and better place. Another level of kudos go to those who realized athletes were being treated unfairly by being controlled unnecessarily by pro owners and teams alike. To put your self on the front line in a war is the highest level of service and nothing compares to it.
But google a name like Marvin Miller (just click his name for the link); he revolutionized players unions and arguably baseball has the best benefits of any league. We certainly know they have the largest contracts and guaranteed at that. Donald Fehr who many considered a lightening rod and others should be not be forgotten either.
But as we reflect on Labor Day and unions, etc. we should also know the contributions players like Oscar Robertson and others contributed. Their stand which could have cost them their profession seems to go largely unnoticed because everyone is busy making money not remembering history.
So as we celebrate Labor Day lets us celebrate those who put their careers and professions at risk in the world of sports. You can cheer them when your team signs a big name free agent and yes I guess criticize them when your favorite players signs with another team for a bigger deal. In the end they made the players choice and that's what it's really all about. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller
But google a name like Marvin Miller (just click his name for the link); he revolutionized players unions and arguably baseball has the best benefits of any league. We certainly know they have the largest contracts and guaranteed at that. Donald Fehr who many considered a lightening rod and others should be not be forgotten either.
But as we reflect on Labor Day and unions, etc. we should also know the contributions players like Oscar Robertson and others contributed. Their stand which could have cost them their profession seems to go largely unnoticed because everyone is busy making money not remembering history.
So as we celebrate Labor Day lets us celebrate those who put their careers and professions at risk in the world of sports. You can cheer them when your team signs a big name free agent and yes I guess criticize them when your favorite players signs with another team for a bigger deal. In the end they made the players choice and that's what it's really all about. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
TOMMY TOWN
There are times when you're headed to a press conference hoping you can ask a question of merit and the person(s) at the podium will respond with content worthy of sharing with even the least interested of fans. We all have a job to do and we don't always bring our A game if our honest self takes over. And then you have someone at the mic you consider the blueprint. I am happy to nominate Tommy Tuberville without hesitation. One question in his direction yields ample content for daily, weekly and season long usage. Ask a direct question get a direct answer; even more if you listen. Want to know about expectations, players, stadium, supporters? Stick around because Coach Tubervile will oblige and complete with no short curt answers either. He is affable, honest and sincere; I don't recall someone at a press conference delaying his start to accommodate a late arriving media team so they can set up their equipment ensuring they don't miss. If I never give another example that surely speaks loudly enough to quiet any critic.
I don't know if it comes from time spent in a mega conference like the SEC, or it's just his persona and comfort level that allows him to understands everyone's role in this process. Go to the original Montgomery Inn for his coaches show and there he is speaking to nearly everyone in attendance and as Tom Gregory says: As good as anyone we've ever had come through here when it comes to interacting with our customers.
All I can say is he gets it. His role as coach and ambassador is one in the same; if you stick around long enough he will thank you. Somewhere on the landscape of Bearcat Football, he is convinced you're a part of their success or given a chance you soon will be. How's that for a sound bite?
NIPPERT ON STERIODS
I had a chance to view the final touches being put on Nippert Stadium and it is so well done I can hardly remember how it used to look but I'll never forget the cramped feeling. UC has really presented Nippert as a major college worthy stadium with these upgrades and the boxes, press room and club seat areas are really up to date and offer great site lines. I was standing in a suite area near the ten yard line and it was fantastic. As I've said before when you're watching football you want a view from on high to see formation and all 22 players moving in unison creating one play after another. So no matter where you buy a seat, you will be happy at that level when you combine the view and amenities.
THE BEST IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
One additional sports reward you have for living in Greater Cincinnati is High School Football. We are not only home to national and perennial powers like Moeller, Highlands and St. X but over the years teams like Colerain, Elder, Princeton and others have made represented us well come playoff time. The number of players who have ascended to division one college teams is staggering and yes we have plenty who made it the to summit of football, the NFL and played very well. What is the secret to the success of High School Football? I say competition, coaching and legacy. While Princeton is certainly rebuilding and others are regrouping there is still no denying that college coaches know every road that leads to Cincinnati because when you find a player here, you find someone who typically can compete at the next level no matter the competition. It you ever need proof just stick around for signing days and you'll agree that while Texas, California, Florida and Pennsylvania are considered hot beds, Ohio has Heisman Trophy Winners, All Pros and Hall of Famers. And yes to just rub it in, the Pro Football Hall of Fame resides here too; I mean Football and Ohio are synonymous in the eyes of many; too many to name. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller
I don't know if it comes from time spent in a mega conference like the SEC, or it's just his persona and comfort level that allows him to understands everyone's role in this process. Go to the original Montgomery Inn for his coaches show and there he is speaking to nearly everyone in attendance and as Tom Gregory says: As good as anyone we've ever had come through here when it comes to interacting with our customers.
All I can say is he gets it. His role as coach and ambassador is one in the same; if you stick around long enough he will thank you. Somewhere on the landscape of Bearcat Football, he is convinced you're a part of their success or given a chance you soon will be. How's that for a sound bite?
NIPPERT ON STERIODS
I had a chance to view the final touches being put on Nippert Stadium and it is so well done I can hardly remember how it used to look but I'll never forget the cramped feeling. UC has really presented Nippert as a major college worthy stadium with these upgrades and the boxes, press room and club seat areas are really up to date and offer great site lines. I was standing in a suite area near the ten yard line and it was fantastic. As I've said before when you're watching football you want a view from on high to see formation and all 22 players moving in unison creating one play after another. So no matter where you buy a seat, you will be happy at that level when you combine the view and amenities.
THE BEST IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
One additional sports reward you have for living in Greater Cincinnati is High School Football. We are not only home to national and perennial powers like Moeller, Highlands and St. X but over the years teams like Colerain, Elder, Princeton and others have made represented us well come playoff time. The number of players who have ascended to division one college teams is staggering and yes we have plenty who made it the to summit of football, the NFL and played very well. What is the secret to the success of High School Football? I say competition, coaching and legacy. While Princeton is certainly rebuilding and others are regrouping there is still no denying that college coaches know every road that leads to Cincinnati because when you find a player here, you find someone who typically can compete at the next level no matter the competition. It you ever need proof just stick around for signing days and you'll agree that while Texas, California, Florida and Pennsylvania are considered hot beds, Ohio has Heisman Trophy Winners, All Pros and Hall of Famers. And yes to just rub it in, the Pro Football Hall of Fame resides here too; I mean Football and Ohio are synonymous in the eyes of many; too many to name. That's the way I see it sitting in The Box Seat. I'm Wayne Box Miller
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