US Life Post » Baseball

The First World Series

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:02:58 +0000

by Nathan Richard Park

The very first World Series was played in 1903 between the Boston American League club (now the Boston Red Sox) and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Although the first world series wasn’t played until 1903, there was a previous championship called “The Championship of the United States” and “World’s Championship Series”, which the winners of the National League and American Association had played from 1884 to 1891. The Series ended when the American Association folded in 1891.

Ban Johnson formed the American League in 1901 to try and take advantage of the National League’s cut down from twelve teams to eight. Ban Johnson and fellow owners raided the senior circuit and signed away many star players. This constant raiding formed the idea of a championship between the National and American Leagues.

The two leagues finally called a truce in the winter of 1902/03. The following August, Barney Dreyfuss, owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates challenged the Boston American League Club to an eleven game Championship Series but instead agreed to a best-of-nine championship The first three games were played in Boston, the next four in Pittsburgh, and the remaining two in Boston.

Some in-game action saw Sam Leever, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates injuring his shoulder while trap-shooting. His teammate Deacon Phillippe had to stand in and pitch five complete games for Pittsburgh. He even set a World Series record by striking out ten Boston batters, but that record was later broke again, as Dinneen struck out eleven Pittsburgh batters in Game 2!

The Boston Americans came back behind to win the final four games. The end result for the very first World Series, Boston won the first World Series five games to three, winning the last four.

Barney Dreyfuss, owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates added his share of the gate receipts to the players’ share. This meant that the losing team’s players actually finished with a larger individual share than the winning team.

The first World Series was a voluntary arrangement between the two clubs, and so a World Series in 1904 did not take place.

The success of the very first World Series proved the newly formed American League could beat the best of the National League, increasing the demand for future World Series’. And so in 1905, the World Series was made into a formal compulsory annual event.

About the Author:

There is so much to learn about baseball. Visit Major League Baseball Brainiac – an excellent source for baseball history, facts and information.

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Basketball Systems – The Best Features For Adult Only Play

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:48:59 +0000

Whether at home, a recreation center, or a community center, many basketball systems are designed for use by all age groups. Since kids need different features than adults, community used systems have to have versatility. But, if you are looking for a system that only adults will play on, you can go for the best features available and create the ultimate basketball system.

A basketball system is made up of the backboard, rim, net, and poling. Each piece is separately designed but they all work together to make the basketball system. When purchasing a system, you can choose one that already has the features in place or mix and match to make the system you’ve always dreamed of. When adults are the only players, you have more options available to create the best system for aggressive play.

Let’s look at the backboard choices. Backboards are available in many sizes. All come with outline markings and shooters squares. Regulation size used by the NCAA and NBA is 72″ x 42″. This is the largest size backboard available. Though smaller size backboards still give room for rebounds, a 72″ x 42″ backboard gives the most room for rebounds. And we know that more rebounds mean more points scored.

The ultimate backboard material for adult only play is glass. Tempered glass backboards are used by the NBA. They are considered the best because they have the best ball interaction. Glass backboards have virtually no vibration when the ball hits, so the ball comes right back into play. They are also dent proof so the ball is not slowed by uneven return or reaction.

When it comes to rims, the ultimate rim for adult only play is a competition style breakaway rim. This rim is used in the NBA and offers the best protection for both players and the backboard. Shattering the backboard is a sign of a powerful move, but it is rare with a competition style breakaway rim. This rim is flexible when pressure is applied and actually folds down when too much pressure is applied. For aggressive play and slam dunk potential, a competition style breakaway goal is the best.

Rims also come with a totally enclosed mechanism that holds the net in place. This is the best way to ensure that the net is secure. Rims with enclosed mechanisms come in single or double strength. For intense play by adults only, a heavy duty double ring rim is the best. Most nets come already as part of the rim. Standard nets are made of anti-whip nylon. This material helps protect players’ hands or fingers from becoming entangled in the net.

If you have the opportunity to create a basketball system for adult only play, go all out. You can create the ultimate system for intense play. When you incorporate the largest glass backboard with a competition style breakaway rim and add an anti-whip nylon net, you are ready for some of the best games ever. Let the competition begin.

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Basketball Goals – Poolside Hoops

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:48:57 +0000

Why not combine two of America’s favorite fun, energy filled events into one great time? You can do it with a poolside basketball goal. Everyone loves a game of basketball. A little one on one or a quick pick-up game with friends can be exciting. When you add a pool, the fun doubles! You will have so much fun shooting and scoring while staying afloat that you won’t even realize all the exercise you are getting. When choosing a poolside goal there are some important things to know.

Poolside goals can be portable or in-ground. A portable basketball hoop and goal can give you the versatility you need. It can be moved to poolside for playtime and placed in different spots as needed. Maybe the kids want to shot some hoops so you need the goal to be by the shallow end. Or later some friends come over and you want to play a full on game in the deep end. A portable goal gives you the options to move your goal as needed. The bottom is usually filled with sand to keep the hoop in place.

An in-ground poolside goal is more durable. A pole is dropped into the ground and secured with cement. You won’t be moving this goal, but you can be sure that it is secure and will be around for many years of play. This is a great choice if you have a growing family that will love playing water basketball for years to come.

Poolside basketball hoops can be made of many different types of material but the most common is Polyethylene. This material is unaffected by water so it will not erode after many summers by the pool. It is tough and durable and can withstand even intense water play. It can even withstand the chemicals used to clean pools.

If you choose a poolside basketball hoop that has a steel pole, look for one with a rust resistant coating. This will ensure that water will not affect the quality of your basketball hoop and it will keep everyone safe.

If you want your poolside basketball hoop to grow with your family, an adjustable hoop is a great choice. Many poolside hoops can be adjusted from 4′ up to 7′ in 6″ increments. You will have a lot of versatility with a hoop like this. If your play time will just be for adults, then a fixed height hoop may be the best choice.

The backboard for a poolside basketball hoop can vary but a fairly standard size is 36″ x 60″. Acrylic is the material of choice for a poolside hoop. It is weather resistant and water friendly so you can splash all you want and not worry about ruining your hoop. Many backboards come with designs or team logos. It is a great way to express yourself when family and friends come over for a game of water basketball.

A poolside basketball hoop is a great way to have fun in the sun. Consider adding one to your family’s yard today for many years of fun and family time.

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Basketball Goals – How to Create a Professional Style Home System

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:48:57 +0000

Having a basketball goal at home gives you a great reason to invite over family and friends. Hanging out and shooting hoops can create some long lasting memories. Your family will love having a place to exercise, let off some steam, and release stress. Your friends will enjoy getting together for some friendly competition and bragging rights. To create a professional style home basketball system, you need to have the same set up as the pros.

Let’s talk about the backboard. Professional style backboards used by the NCAA and the NBA are made from tempered glass. This type of backboard is almost exclusively used for indoor courts. In order to make your outside hoop as close to the professionals as possible, try starting with an acrylic backboard.

Acrylic backboards are a fairly new type of backboard. Cast acrylic backboards are very similar to glass backboards but are more suitable to outside use. Cast acrylic is one of the strongest forms of acrylic manufactured today. It is almost impossible to dent cast acrylic. To increase the professional look of your backboard, you will want to add a steel frame. Professional backboards come with this frame for added backboard protection.

In order to get as close as possible to a glass backboard, look for an acrylic backboard that is ½ inch thick. If the acrylic is too thick the ball will not respond the same way; if it is too thin, it will not be durable enough for intense play. To the untrained eye, acrylic and glass backboards look the same and give the same feel as well.

Professional backboards are 42″ x 72″. This size gives the maximum room for rebounds. All professional backboards have the outside outline markings as well as the shooters square. These are generally embedded into the backboard in bright orange. You will want these features on your backboard to give it the look the pros have.

Next is the rim. For a professional style rim, you need a competition style breakaway rim. This rim can withstand up to 230 pounds of applied pressure. For slam dunkers, this is a must. If the pressure limit is exceeded, a breakaway rim with fold down to protect the backboard from breaking. Many models are available that allow the rim to breakaway at any angle.

The rim should be made of reinforced steel and come with an anti-whip nylon net. The rim should have an enclosed mechanism. This means that the loops of the net are inside the rim for stronger net security. A heavy duty rim adds twice the thickness for twice the durability.

As you can see, there are many aspects to a professional style basketball system. You can create a system at home that sets the standard for intense competition and great game time. Many of the features of a professional system are there so that the equipment can handle aggressive games and extended use. So let the games begin!

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Basketball Systems – Choosing One For Your School Gymnasium

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:48:56 +0000

Nothing says school spirit like cheering on the home team at the big game. Basketball can bring students together for a great time of competition, talent, and encouragement. Choosing the right basketball system for your school gymnasium will make game time even more exciting.

If you are purchasing basketball systems for an elementary school, here are some important things to consider. First of all, kids of many different sizes and ages will be playing. Typically elementary students are ages 5-11 and they are constantly growing. An adjustable height system is best for this age.

Adjustable height systems can be changed as needed to accommodate different ages and skill levels. Most adjustable height systems start at 6′ and can be increased to 10′. Adjusting the height is easy and can be done quickly. Having a hoop that is more their size can give elementary students the confidence they need to keep trying.

By the time kids reach junior high or middle school, they have already learned the basic skills of the game. Junior high is a good time to start challenging students to push themselves and their skills a little harder. An adjustable height system is still appropriate at this age and can be extended to the highest point for more skilled players.

In junior high, the size of the backboard is important. Students are learning the importance of rebounds at this age. Giving them a larger size backboard that reacts well with the ball, is important. A 54″ backboard is a medium sized backboard and leaves plenty of room for rebounds. Tempered glass is the best, but the most costly. At this age, acrylic or fiberglass work well too.

For high school students the requirements change quite a bit. High school regulation backboards are 72″ by 42″. The rim must be 18″ and 10 feet high. This makes an adjustable height system unnecessary. You can go with a fixed height system since the rim is required to be 10 feet from the ground.

The backboard material is important at the high school level too. A tempered glass backboard is what is used in the NCAA and the NBA. Giving high school students this kind of backboard will get them ready for college play. You can also go with an acrylic backboard which is less expensive but still gives the same type of rebound reaction as a glass backboard.

The type of goal is another important consideration at the high school level. With more skilled students playing, a flex or breakaway goal is the best choice. A flex goal will give a little when pressure is applied during slam dunks. Many are designed to hold up to 200 pounds of pressure. A breakaway goal will actually bend all the way down when too much pressure is applied. This protects the backboard from shattering.

If you use your school gymnasium for other sports, you can choose to purchase a fold up basketball hoop. These hoops fold up and away so other sports can be played without the interference of the basketball hoop.

Finding the right system for your elementary, junior high, or high school gym can be easy once you know what to look for!

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Basketball Hoops For Different Skills and Ages – Young Children

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 03:52:18 +0000

If you are shopping around for basketball hoops, you will no doubt be asking many questions and be faced with many possible choices. There are naturally a very large variety of different brands to choose from. There are also just as many different types of basketball goal and basketball hoop to choose from. All of these different types are designed to perform differently depending on your needs and skill level.

If you are shopping for a basketball goal for your children, you should naturally consider what type of play style they are looking for. The play style of your children will depend upon their age.

Very young children will need to learn basic throwing moves first. As your children get older, they may wish to know the details and rules of playing the game better while still being accommodated in terms of easy basketball hoop height and distance. Older, pre-teen or teenage children may wish to emulate their NCAA or NBA role models as closely as they can. So they may request a truly professional and authentic NCAA or NBA spec approved basketball goal installed at a height and court distance perfectly matching those seen on TV.

For very young children, you may consider purchasing a floor basketball hoop set as an introduction to basketball. A floor basketball hoop set is little more than a simple ring stand lined with a net. In practice, it is very similar to the many type of novelty basketball hoops seen attached to trash cans in various office settings.

A floor basketball hoop set is set very low to the ground, and the distance away from the basketball hoop is as far as the thrower wishes to sit. Because of the low floor height, this type of basketball hoop is best suited for throwing from a seated position on a floor. This makes practice throwing very easy for young children, and is ideal for teaching muscle control during shooting practice and to introduce the basic idea of throwing basketballs at a basketball hoop. Very soft balls can be used for safety, or small rubber bladder basketballs can be used for authenticity. These types of basketball hoop also tend to be very affordable.

The typical next step for a basketball hoop is a free standing basketball goal. This type of basketball goal is perhaps the most diverse, and can include basketball goals immediately above that of a floor basketball hoop set to professional field basketball goals more suited to competition games.

Some types of free standing basketball hoops are still very low to the ground and can be height adjusted with young children in mind. These provide many of the same easy features as a floor basketball hoop set, but with a greater distance from the floor to build additional muscle skill and understanding of longer shots. Other types of free standing, pole mounted basketball goals are mounted on a more rigid pole, which may often be covered in a foam-like material for added safety.

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How to Choose Basketball Hoops For Different Skills and Ages

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 03:52:17 +0000

Basketball hoops that are designed for use by the youngest of players are readily available for school, community and home use. Depending on your venue and the space available you’ll find that your selection includes adjustable height hoops, permanent in-ground varieties, roof mounted goals and portable basketball systems. So how do you make an informed choice? Here’s what you need to know.

A basketball goal with a basketball hoop is going to fundamentally be the same regardless of its designed purpose, consisting of a ring, usually with a net, designed to allow a thrown ball to pass through. However, the similarities for many different types of basketball hoops and goals end there.

Many types of basketball goals are designed to be very simple, often for very young children still learning muscle and motor control or even designed as a simple novelty. Other types of basketball goals are designed to be used in professional competition, such as NCAA or even NBA games. These are designed to take the repeated abuse of multiple, heavy slam dunks and hanging off the rim without breaking.

If you are shopping for a basketball goals for your children you’ll need to consider factors like the available space, future needs and skill requirements. Younger children will naturally require a basketball goal that is capable of accommodating their skills. Adjustable height basketball systems are ideal because you can set a child up for success, and challenge them as needed.

A wall mounted basketball hoop is just as the name implies, a basketball hoop mounted onto a wall. Unlike a basketball hoop mounted to the top of a garage or on a rigid, heavy goal post, most wall mounted basketball hoops are designed for very light, casual use only.

These types of basketball hoops typically mount onto a drywall surface, but may also include brackets or other hardware to mount onto a door or to an office cubicle wall. Even a light slam dunk may be enough to tear this type of basketball hoop off the mounting surface, and leave significant scarring onto drywall. Look for solid mounting hardware or stable “nosecone” installation when selecting a unit that will last for years. You’ll also find quality hoops that can be installed on slanted roofs that are more stable.

For long term use, you want to select a basketball hoops that is a long term investment. This means that outdoor models should be powder coated. Adjustable basketball goals should be easy to modify. And any goals or hoops should be strong enough to meet the current and future needs of your players. So consider that a lightweight portable unit may not be appropriate for teenagers hanging off the rims.

Finally, really take a look at the practicality of your investment. Will younger players still want to play with a 10 foot hoop they have little chance of reaching? Will teens that are developing professional skills be challenged enough if they have to hold back from playing their hardest? The bottom line is to take a little time to look at all the options in basketball hoops until you find one that makes sense for you.

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Portable Basketball Hoops – Great For Any Size Home

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 03:52:17 +0000

Residential basketball hoops are a great way to enjoy time with your family. Shooting hoops with your family can help to relieve stress, get some fresh air, and spend quality time together. When it comes to choosing a basketball hoop for your home, a portable basketball hoop can give you the versatility you need, no matter what size home you have.

Portable basketball hoops are basketball systems that can be moved as needed to accommodate your space. They come with a base, pole, backboard, and rim. It is everything you need in one system. You fill the base with sand or water to give the hoop stability. Then you can place it where you need it.

Since it is easy to place a portable basketball hoop anywhere, it doesn’t matter what size home you have, you will have room for a portable system. It gives you many different options. You can put it in the driveway as space permits. The driveway is a great place to play a game of one on one or practice shooting hoops.

You can also set up a portable hoop in the backyard. You can set it up on the grass, a patio, or porch. This will give you added space for friends, practice, or extra playtime. Back yard lights can help you play in the day or night. Whether you have a big or small home both the front and back yard are great options for using your portable hoop.

Another set-up option for your portable hoop is the street. If you live in an area without a lot of traffic, you can move your portable hoop to the street. This is a great place to play a full on game with friends. It’s like having your own court available. When you are done, you can roll the hoop out of the street. Even if you live in an apartment this can be an option.

When you are not playing, you can leave your portable hoop outside because portable hoops are all-weather safe. If you want to store your hoop, you can easily move it to the garage or a storage area. Some hoops have wheels that can be popped up when you are ready to move them. Or some hoops fold down for easy storage.

Typically, portable basketball hoops are adjustable. That means you can adjust the system as needed. Most systems start at 6′ and can be adjusted up to 10′ in ½” increments. Because of this kids and adults can both use a portable system. This adjustability, added to the versatility of a portable basketball system, make it a good system for any size home.

No matter what size home you have, a portable basketball hoop is a great addition. It can give you a place to play with family and friends, get some exercise, and fresh air. Since portable systems can be placed in many different areas, you can decide what works best for your home. A home portable hoop will give you years of family fun.

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Basketball Systems – What You Need at Home to Help Your Child Practice

admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 03:52:16 +0000

Basketball is a great sport. Having a good understanding of the game can increase your excitement both when playing and watching. If you child is interested in basketball, it is easy to find a basketball system for your home. Whether your child is on a team or just wants to learn the ropes, there are some essentials you can have at home to help.

First of all, a basketball system is made up of the backboard, the rim, and the net. When looking for a basketball system that will help your child practice the game, an adjustable system is a good choice. An adjustable system gives you the option to start the hoop at a lower height and then gradually increase the height as needed.

Starting at a lower height can give your child the confidence needed to move forward. As your child grows in height and in ability you can adjust the height of the rim. Adjustable systems also make it possible for adults to play and have fun too. If you have young children, an adjustable system can grow with them.

There are many different options available when choosing an adjustable height system. You can customize the size and type of the backboard, as well as the type of rim and net. For outside play at your home an acrylic, fiberglass, or steel backboard works great. Fiberglass will give you the best rebound interaction next to a professional glass backboard.

For the rim and net, you can choose a flex rim or fixed rim. A flex rim gives a little when pressure is applied. A fixed rim stays put. If you want to build a system that will grow with your child either rim will work. But keep in mind, when your child is older and more skilled, attempting slam dunks will work best with a flex rim. Most rims come with a standard nylon anti-whip net. This type of net is durable and will lessen the possibility of hand injuries.

Once you choose your basketball system, there are a few accessories that can help your child practice the game. One is a block aid. This accessory goes into the basket to block the ball from going in. Why would this be good for teaching your child the game? It helps improve rebound skills which are an important part of the overall game. A block aid fits right over the basket and can be removed by pushing it up with a broom handle.

Another accessory you can consider adding to your home basketball system is a ball retention net. This net attaches to the back of your basketball system. Instead of wasting time chasing after balls, you can maximize the time you spend practicing with your child. A retention net also helps keep the ball in your yard– not the neighbors.

Helping your child practice at home can be easy and fun. Choosing the right basketball system and accessories can help aid your child in becoming a great player.

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In-Ground Basketball Hoops and Goals

admin — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:02:32 +0000

Basketball has many benefits in and of itself. It is a great form of exercise, relieves stress, lets off steam, helps kids with coordination, and can bring family and friends together for a time of friendly competition. With all these benefits, wouldn’t it be great to have your own basketball goal at home? There are many choices available when it comes to home basketball systems. One of the most popular home basketball systems is the in-ground basketball goal.

In-ground basketball goals are those that are put into the ground for a permanent home basketball goal. If you are pressed for space, you can install your in-ground goal next to your driveway. This will allow you to use your driveway as your court. Make sure it is far enough away so that cars can pull in safely, but close enough to use the driveway as your court.

If you have more space that you can dedicate to your basketball goal, you can install your in-ground goal in the background as part of a concrete area you can use as your court. This will allow you to play in an area that is just for basketball. Once you choose where your goal will go, you can begin the installation.

Installing an in-ground system can be done professionally, or you can do it yourself. If you are doing it yourself, you will want to lay out everything that came with your in-ground goal so you can have easy access to each part as needed. After that, you can move forward with digging the hole.

The depth of the hole will depend on what type and size of system you have. Follow the directions for depth and width very carefully. The directions will also let you know how much cement you will need to set the pole in place. The average is 6-8 bags of concrete. You have to make sure the pole is placed at the correct depth to have the right height of 10′ from the ground to the rim.

During the drying process, it is important to check your pole several times to make sure it is still level. Your pole should be flush with the playing surface. The concrete will take up to four hours to dry. Throughout the process be sure to tap the top of the concrete frequently to get rid of any air pockets. It is important to wait until it is completely dry before you finish the installation process.

Once your in-ground goal is installed, you have it for life. You have a permanent area for you, your kids, and friends to get together and have fun. In-ground systems can withstand all kinds of weather and, when installed properly, will be rust-resistant. In-ground systems are more durable and stable than portable systems.

In-ground basketball hoops are a great way to give your family a permanent place to play and learn the game of basketball. Your kids will love having friends over to shoot hoops. Friendly family competitions will give you family memories to last a lifetime.