21 Jun
Dean Ambrose as WWE Champ
published in category: Wrestling Reality on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 – 2:50 pm
Wrestling Reality with Justin LaBar on TribLIVE Radio.
Posted in Wrestling Reality
Tree of Life
21 Jun
Kerr Named to USL’s Team of the Week
published in category: Riverhounds on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 – 1:49 pm
Pittsburgh Riverhounds midfielder Kevin Kerr was named to the USL’s Team of the Week after a solid performance against FC Montreal. Helping the Hounds break a three-game losing streak, Kerr notched his first goal of the season and assisted on the eventual Corey Hertzog game-winner for the 2-1 victory.
Kerr’s first goal of the season came thanks to a pretty through-ball from Jack Thompson. Making his first start for the club at forward, Thompson connected with Kerr flush within the left side of the box. From there, the captain wasted no time powering his shot past Montreal goalkeeper Maxime Orepeau to give the Hounds an early 1-0 lead.
Kerr later assisted on Hertzog’s game-winner with a free kick take at midfield, hitting the Hounds forward in stride inside the box. The helper was Kerr’s second on the season, tying him with Stephen Okai for the club lead, and he also became the first Hounds player this season to record both a goal and an assist in the same match.
A native of York, England, Kerr has been with Pittsburgh since 2013, totaling 16 goals in 83 USL regular season appearances, including a career-high 10 last season.
Posted in Riverhounds
21 Jun
Pirates Report
published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 – 12:44 pm
Guy Junker, Tim Benz and Josh Taylor talk Pirates-Bucs win 1-0 over Giants thanks to a strong start by Jeff Locke, a solo homer by Kratz, his first of the season, great catch by Polanco and a save by Mark Melancon. Need to start winning some series and tonight is a good time to start. Sponsored by The Wicked Fox of O’Hara, For a Wicked Good Time, 20 drafts on tap, extensive bottles selection, and crafted cocktails just for you. The Wicked Fox of O’Hara, For a Wicked Good Time, Located at 1335 Freeport Road in O’Hara Township, a green certified restaurant through the Green Restaurant Association. Mondays are $5 Build a Burger night, and Tuesdays equals wing night! With over 20 flavors.
PIRATES SIGN THREE MORE PLAYERS FROM 2016 DRAFT
The Pittsburgh Pirates today signed the following players from the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. The announcement was made by Joe DelliCarri, Pirates Director of Amateur Scouting.
4 Braeden Ogle LHP 6-3/185 Jensen Beach High School GCL Pirates
Went 5-1 with a 1.40 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 35.0 innings of work as a senior at Jensen Beach High School…Became the second player in program history to be selected in the draft, joining Taylor Blatch in 2013, who was drafted by Minnesota…His dad, Chris, was a defensive tackle and offensive lineman at Clemson in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s…Was a 2016 Rawlings-Perfect Game third-team All-American.
27 Tyler Leffler INF 6-1/185 Bradley University Bristol Pirates
Hit .313 with 21 doubles, two triples, two home runs and 33 RBI during his senior season at Bradley University…Was the only Brave to start all 57 games during Bradley’s 2015 NCAA Tournament season… Was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American in 2013… Was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference team in 2014… Helped Benton Consolidated High School (IL) to baseball and basketball regional championships and was also an all-state quarterback.
31 Jordan Jess LHP 6-3/235 University of Minnesota Bristol Pirates
Ended his career at Minnesota tied for second in career saves (13)…Went 0-0 with 10 saves and 35 strikeouts in 23 appearances (27.1ip) this past season at Minnesota… His 10 saves in 2016 were the fourth-most in a single season in school history…Was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Assocation Stopper-of-the-Year Award Watch List prior to the 2016 season.
The Pirates have now signed 23 players from this year’s draft.
Posted in Pittsburgh Pirates
21 Jun
USGA Apology
published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 – 9:30 am
Justin Ray of the Golf Channel and Brian Taylor of Real Golf Radio join the show to recap the US Open. US Open Coverage live from Oakmont sponsored by TJS Insurance Group, insuring Pittsburgh individuals and businesses since 1924.
USGA Statement-
The USGA wishes to congratulate Dustin Johnson on his victory and thank him, and the other players in the field, for their professionalism and grace throughout the championship. Dustin is a wonderful champion, a talented golfer and a gentleman.
Our team at the USGA has seen and heard a great deal of discussion and debate about the ruling on Dustin’s ball moving during the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club. In addition to the explanations we offered upon the conclusion of the final round, we add these comments.
Upon reflection, we regret the distraction caused by our decision to wait until the end of the round to decide on the ruling. It is normal for rulings based on video evidence to await the end of a round, when the matter can be discussed with the player before the score card is returned. While our focus on getting the ruling correct was appropriate, we created uncertainty about where players stood on the leader board after we informed Dustin on the 12th tee that his actions on the fifth green might lead to a penalty. This created unnecessary ambiguity for Dustin and the other players, as well as spectators on-site, and those watching and listening on television and digital channels.
During any competition, the priority for Rules officials is to make the correct ruling for the protection of the player(s) involved and the entire field. In applying Rule 18-2, which deals with a ball at rest that moves, officials consider all the relevant evidence – including the player’s actions, the time between those actions and the movement of the ball, the lie of the ball, and course and weather conditions. If that evidence, considered together, shows that it is more likely than not that the player’s actions caused the ball to move, the player incurs a one-stroke penalty. Officials use this “more likely than not” standard because it is not always apparent what caused the ball to move. Such situations require a review of the evidence, with Decision 18-2/0.5 providing guidance on how the evidence should be weighed.
Our officials reviewed the video of Dustin on the fifth green and determined that based on the weight of the evidence, it was more likely than not that Dustin caused his ball to move. Dustin’s putter contacted the ground at the side of the ball, and almost immediately after, the ball moved.
We accept that not everyone will agree that Dustin caused his ball to move. Issues under Rule 18-2 often require a judgment where there is some uncertainty, and this was one of those instances. We also understand that some people may disagree with Rule 18-2 itself. While we respect the viewpoints of those who disagree, our Committee made a careful and collective judgment in its pursuit of a fair competition played under the Rules of Golf.
In keeping with our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work on behalf of the game of golf, we pledge to closely examine our procedures in this matter. We will assess our procedures for handling video review, the timing of such, and our communication with players to make sure that when confronted with such a situation again, we will have a better process.
We at the USGA deeply appreciate the support of players, fans, and the entire golf community of our championships and our other work for golf – and we appreciate your feedback as well. We have established an email address (comments@usga.org) and phone mailbox (908-326-1857) to receive comments. We thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
We all share an abiding love of this great game. Let us continue to work together for its good.
Posted in Sports Talk Radio
20 Jun
Pirates-Giants Series
published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, June 20th, 2016 – 4:26 pm
PIA Pittsburgh and Babcock Beer Present the Pirates-Giants Series Preview with Josh Taylor. Pitching match-ups, Bucs coming off being swept by Cubs, bullpen shake-up.
The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, PIA Pittsburgh, an education with opportunities.
Babcock Beer on Babcock Blvd.- The largest selection of craft beer in the area – easy access, friendly service and plenty of parking.
Posted in Pittsburgh Pirates
20 Jun
US Open Wrap-Up
published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Monday, June 20th, 2016 – 3:06 pm
Trib Columnist Kevin Gorman wraps up the US Open at Oakmont. Sponsored by TJS Insurance Group, insuring Pittsburgh individuals and businesses since 1924.
Trib Writer Andrew Erickson recaps his coverage of the 18th hole of the US Open at Oakmont.
TJS Insurance Group is one of Pittsburgh’s largest, most experienced insurance brokerages, providing employee benefits, commercial lines, and personal lines coverages since 1924. TJS Insurance Group cares about your needs – we are honest, fair, and dependable. Our main objective is to make obtaining insurance as easy as possible. We believe in partnering, building, and maintaining strong relationships. Call TJS Insurance Group for insurance coverage for you or your business at 412-395-4000.
Posted in Sports Talk Radio
20 Jun
Pitt Player Interviews
published in category: College Sports on Monday, June 20th, 2016 – 9:42 am
Guests are Pitt Panthers Players Jaryd Jones-Smith and Shakir Soto. Topics: close wins in 2015 and the 4 most important games in 2016. Plus OL configurations and Soto’s transition and what it could mean for the DT position. The close games from 2015 and the 4 key games in 2016.
Pitt is not just recruiting locally, they are recruiting nationally too under this regime. Never too early to preview the Pitt-Penn State Game!
Season tickets for the 2016-17 Pitt men’s basketball season are now on sale, including an exclusive offer for recent grads, and a five-month payment plan for all orders placed before the end of June.
Panther fans can purchase season tickets for only $115 per month with a five-month payment plan to secure all 18 home games at the Petersen Events Center and the annual City Game against cross-town foe Duquesne at CONSOL Energy Center. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets for the 2016-17 season.
Pitt’s home slate includes five contests against teams that are ranked in the top 25 of the ESPN way-to-early Preseason Rankings. The Panthers home ACC slate includes matchups against No. 5 Virginia, No. 6 North Carolina, No. 13 Louisville, No. 23 Florida State, No. 25 Syracuse, Clemson, Miami, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. Pitt’s non-conference home schedule will be released at a later date and will include a pair of games as part of the 2K Classic Benefitting Wounded Warrior Project.
Under the recent graduate ticket program, anyone that has earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh within the past 10 years is eligible to purchase a maximum of two upper level end zone season tickets for $300 or receive 10% off other season ticket locations (maximum of two). Recent graduates purchasing tickets before the end of June can set up a payment plan for only $60 per month for each season ticket.
Head coach Kevin Stallings takes over a team that returns six of its top seven scorers from a year ago, including third team All-ACC selection Michael Young. The Duquesne, Pa., native averaged 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds last season at Pitt finished 21-12 overall and reached the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in the past 10 years.
Young is joined by fellow returning seniors Jamel Artis, Sheldon Jeter and Chris Jones. Artis, a 2015 All-ACC selection, averaged 14.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2015-16, while Jeter contributed 8.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in just over 18.5 minutes per game. Jones added 6.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game.
The Pitt lineup is also expected to feature emerging talents Cameron Johnson and Ryan Luther, who both came on strong at the end of last season. Luther averaged 7.7 points and 2.9 rebounds over the final seven games of the season, while Johnson averaged 4.8 points with a career-high 24 points in an ACC Tournament win over Syracuse. Stallings also welcomes in a trio of exciting newcomers in Crisshawn Clark, Justice Kithcart and Corey Manigault.
“The ACC is without a doubt the toughest and deepest conference in the NCAA,” said Stallings. “As a result we have a terrific home schedule that features some of the top teams in the country. We are excited about our home schedule and know we will have great support from the Oakland Zoo and the rest of our outstanding fan base.”
Game dates, times and TV designations will be announced by the Atlantic Coast Conference at a later date. Pitt’s non-conference schedule is expected to be announced later this week.
Posted in College Sports
19 Jun
US Open coming to Oakmont in 2025
published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Sunday, June 19th, 2016 – 8:35 am
The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced sites for the 2025 and 2026 U.S. Open Championships, naming Oakmont Country Club in suburban Pittsburgh, Pa., and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., respectively, as the host sites.
“Bringing the U.S. Open Championship to Oakmont for the 10th time in 2025 is testament to the quality of this fine golf course and the longevity of the strong relationship the USGA has with the club,” said Diana Murphy, president of the USGA. “It is an honor to make this announcement during the 116th U.S. Open when everyone here can celebrate the Open’s return to this iconic course in nine years.
“In keeping with our goal of providing the most comprehensive test in championship golf, we are also honored to announce a return to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the 2026 U.S. Open Championship,” Murphy said. “Four previous U.S. Opens there have yielded memorable competitions and worthy champions such as Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin and Retief Goosen. New York metropolitan area golf fans can anticipate another exciting chapter in their region’s golf history in 2026.”
The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont will mark the 10th U.S. Open on the iconic H.C. Fownes design, the most of any U.S. club, and the 17th USGA championship. It will be held June 12-15.
In addition to 2016, Oakmont previously hosted the U.S. Open in 1927, 1935, 1953, 1962, 1973, 1983, 1994 and 2007. Oakmont’s illustrious past is filled with historic moments, including Jack Nicklaus’ first career victory as a professional in the 1962 U.S. Open, when he defeated Arnold Palmer in an 18-hole playoff. Eleven years later, Johnny Miller scored the lowest round ever posted in any major championship to that time with an 8-under-par 63 in the final round to earn his only U.S. Open victory.
Oakmont’s 17 USGA championships are tied for second-most among U.S. clubs, behind only Merion Golf Club, which has hosted 18. Other USGA championships contested at Oakmont include five U.S. Amateurs (1919, 1925, 1938, 1969 and 2003) and two U.S. Women’s Opens, in 1992 and 2010.
Henry Clay (H.C.) Fownes remained president of the club from its inception in 1903 until his death in 1935. His son, William Clay, was the 1910 U.S. Amateur champion and a former USGA president who served as the club’s president until his resignation in 1946. Father and son, who were very close and shared a determination to make Oakmont the sternest championship test possible, tweaked the course throughout their tenure to maintain its exacting standards.
“We are thrilled to host the 2025 U.S. Open,” said Ed Stack, president of Oakmont Country Club. “Oakmont and the USGA have had a very special relationship for nearly a century, and we are honored they have chosen Oakmont to host a record 10th U.S. Open in 2025.”
The birth of Oakmont is a story of chance. H.C. Fownes began seeing alarming spots in his vision after using a welding torch in 1898, and a doctor gave him a prognosis of just a few years to live. He wanted to enjoy his final years and developed a passion for golf. Later, a second opinion from another doctor lifted the death sentence. After becoming one of the best golfers in the area, Fownes wanted to build a course that would challenge even the most talented players of the day.
The 2026 U.S. Open will be held June 18-21, and will mark the sixth U.S. Open and ninth USGA championship at Shinnecock Hills.
Past U.S. Opens contested at Shinnecock Hills include the second U.S. Open in 1896, when James Foulis outlasted Horace Rawlins by three strokes, and the 100th U.S. Open in 1995, won by Corey Pavin over Greg Norman by two strokes. Shinnecock Hills also hosted the U.S. Open in 1986, when Raymond Floyd broke away from Chip Beck and Lanny Wadkins to win by two strokes, and in 2004, when Retief Goosen captured his second U.S. Open, defeating Phil Mickelson by two.
Additionally, the USGA has conducted these national championships at Shinnecock Hills: the 1896 U.S. Amateur (won by H.J. Whigham); the 1900 U.S. Women’s Amateur (won by Frances Griscom); and the 1977 Walker Cup Match (won by the USA).
Shinnecock Hills will also host the 2018 U.S. Open, and is the only course to host the championship in three centuries. The 2026 U.S. Open will be the 20th in the state of New York and the 11th on Long Island. Willie Davis designed the original 12-hole course in 1891 before expanding it to 18 holes in 1895. Members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation helped build the original layout. A series of renovations ensued before William Flynn designed and Dick Wilson built the modern course, inspired by those on the British Isles, in 1931. “You can’t write the history of Shinnecock without writing the history of the USGA, and vice versa,” said Barrett N. Pickett, Shinnecock Hills president. “Our relationship today is stronger than ever. We are honored to host the 2026 U.S. Open, 130 years after our first in 1896.”
In 1894, Shinnecock Hills was one of the founding clubs of the USGA along with The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., Newport (R.I.) Country Club, Chicago (Ill.) Golf Club and Saint Andrew’s Golf Club in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. It is also the home of the first clubhouse in the United States, designed by Stanford White and opened in 1892.
Posted in Sports Talk Radio