World in Focus

Top Ten Shortstops of All-Time

2005-09-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

To honor the 10-year anniversary of Cal Ripken's passing of Lou Gehrigs consecutive games streak, the Top Ten shortstops of All-Time.

10. Arky Vaughn- 2nd highest career of batting average of any shortstop (.318); 9 time All-Star.
9. Phil Rizzuto- Derek Jeter of his era, not best stats but was consistent winner, went to 9 World Series in 13 seasons, won 7.
8. Pee Wee Reese- leader of 50's & 60's Dodgers, lead them to 7 pennants; 10 time All-Star, very good fielder.
7. Luis Aparicio- precursor of Omar Vizquel & Ozzie Smith, won 9 Gold Gloves throughout his 18-year career; 10 time All-Star.
6. Derek Jeter- Mr. Intangible; makes this list in my eyes just because of the great cut-off play against my Athletics, oh and 4 championships.
5. Ozzie Smith- greatest defensive infielder, bar none. 13 Gold Gloves & 15 All-Star appearances. 580 stolen bases don't hurt either.
4. Alex Rodriguez- only half way through his career, and has almost passed Ripken in career home runs. Will be at the top of this list at the end of his career, and maybe among the greatest players of all-time list.
3. Ernie Banks- Mr. Cub's 512 home runs is first among shortstops, and is 17th on all-time list; 2 time MVP & 15 time All-Star.
2. Cal Ripken, Jr.- uh, played a lot of games in a row, and was really, really good. Numbers might've been even better if took days off.
1. Honus Wagner- in top ten overall players; great hitter and fielder.

No Need to Worry...Oprah Has Arrived

2005-09-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well, finally the leader of our country has arrived to survey the damage of left behind by hurricane Katrina. I'm not speaking about President Bush, but her Highness, Oprah. Oprah, with her celebrity angels in tow, has swept into the devastated area. I am sure the City of New Orleans is somewhat more at ease knowing that she has arrived. The only problem I have with her, and other celebrity volunteers, is that while their presence is a good thing, I wonder if they have put their considerable pocketbooks where their mouths are. Take Oprah. According to Forbes, Oprah's current net worth is $1.3 Billion dollars. So I believe that if she really felt the pain of the afflicted area, she would give, say, a million dollars of her immense fortune to help. Other celebs with much less than Oprah has given amounts that large. Celine Dion & Nicolas Cage each personally gave a million dollars, while Jay-Z & P.Diddy jointly gave a million. Come on Oprah stop profiting from the tragedy by filming shows there and dip into the purse to REALLY help. And Walmart only gave a million to The Red Cross? I think they can, and should, do better.

The Beginning

2005-09-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hello world, welcome to my corner. Here I will give my thoughts, opinions, and ideas concerning whatever aspects of the world that I deem interesting. I am very rooted in my beliefs, yet I love a good debate. I am not too prideful to not admit that I am wrong. I try to stay up with the current news as close as I can. I will post everyday that I can. Also, this is my first attempt at a blog, so it probally will heavy with errors and light on style. Yet, I don't care. This is MY spot to expound, so I don't have to talk to myself as much. Thanks for listening to whoever decides to stop by my little place.