RIP Tony Gwynn - My Memories of Him

It was day of sadness yesterday for baseball fans. One of greatest hitters to play Mr. Padre Tony Gwynn died. He spent his entire career with San Diego Padres with long list of credentials of multi-time All-Star, gold glove winner, leading the league in hits and batting average, and a Hall of Fame selection. Never got a chance to watch him play live, but I got a chance to watch get honored.

The date was August 31, 2002. MLB and players were on verge of striking til they able struck a deal at last minute to avert the strike. I was in San Diego for a wedding. Relief they didn't strike I decide catch a game when they playing at Qualcomm Stadium. It was free hat night and starting pitchers was Clay Condrey, making his first career ML start, and Aaron Cook. Little did I know before the game the team honored Tony Gwynn into team Hall of Fame. It was great night to watch him get honored by the team.

Took few photos of it with early Sony Cybershot digital camera in digital zoom form. This was way before I knew difference between optical and digital zoom.

 

 RIP Tony Gwynn. You will be missed.

This is Frowned Upon in Wrestling Drama - what gives?

A Facebook page tearing down indy wrestlers from wardrobe to conditioning to moments in the ring made a mention of this photo. What follow a long list of laughable comments calling it disgusting and how it should not be in the allowed the ring calling for this wrestler to be blackballed. I will get back on this later on.

The wrestler in picture is Texas-own J.C. Bravo. He teams up with fellow wrestler Stan "the Sinner" Summer calling themselves Lil' Crazy. Their gimmick consist of drinking, partying, and having a good time in craziest ways as possible. At last Anarchy Championship Wresting show (I was there) he got crazy during a match using a toy syringe to "shoot" himself up only to "pass out" and get pinned. Remember that.

Back to laughable comments they were outraged this was part of entertainment in the squared circle. Since they made this into big drama let me explain few things.

1) I mention when he shoot up and pass out he got pinned. There's a story behind this. Use drugs you lose. It tell fans "Say No to Drugs. Drugs are for losers." even in a very dark way.

2) family show schamily show. I been indy shows where its "family friendly" only have wrestlers and fans cuss and yell. The words "Fuck," "Shit," "You fucked up!," and "Holy shit!" chants still echo through these "family" wrestling shows.

3) this is entertainment. Fans enjoy not just in-ring actions but the comedy and storyline out of it. Sure its dark portrayal, but wrestling fans have seen much worse than this. Remember Fritz Von Erich and Ric Flair heart attack angle? How about Katie Vick where Triple H had sex with a dead body? I still remember clips of J.R. Benson ESW from 90s and aspects of XPW where they pushed the envelope. I could go on and on about this but you know what? Fans get a kick out of it and will still be there at next show yelling the wrestler "Don't Do It!" with a few signs mentioning drug rehab. Fans know its a show to entertain.

Final thing as this caused a big stink I can say controversy creates cash. Thanks to this Facebook page you gave J.C. Bravo his fame. Now promoters are knocking on his door.

J.C Bravo busted his ass hard around Texas indies especially around Austin (Anarchy Championship Wrestling and Inspire Pro Wrestling) working hurt everywhere he go. Despite the usual bumps and injuries he can still go. To all future promoters say hello J.C. Bravo and he will put on a show for you whether as a junkie or follower of the unholy. Also if you listen to any of these negative yahoos on not booking him you miss out big time.

Blast From the Past Made Me Pick This Up

I was down at Dollar Tree picking up few items. I checked the sport cards selection on what they offer. After looking through 5 card packs of baseball, football, basketball, a pack of 20 random cards caught my eye. Going through through the packs this card caught my eye:

Who and why? Justin Lehr is a player I watched in person in the minors playing for Oakland A's AA-affiliate Midland Rockhounds back in 2002. Great see these players work their way up to the majors and get official MLB card. Once I saw that card I knew I have purchase the pack. Lehr spent time up and down from AAA-club to the majors with his last appearance in 2009 with Cincinnati Reds. Last recorded stats was in 2012 playing in the Mexican Leagues.

Ultimate Warrior ruled

After almost two decades of animosity Ultimate Warrior and WWE are back together with him going to WWE Hall of Fame. About time they put it to rest. Truth I liked Ultimate Warrior. He was one of guys along with Hulk Hogan, Undertaker, Jake Roberts, and Earthquake I grew up watching. He stood out for energetic vibe he brought when he came in the ring and the crazy promos. With Hogan you have say your prayers and eat your vitamins shtick clamoring his Hulkamanics running wild. For Ultimate Warrior he was truly running wild going to the ring at full speed, shaking the ropes, and soaking in the energetic vibe from the fans. As a fan you could feel the energy flowing from the second his theme music played through the start and end of his match. At schools I went when I was a kid the ones that was watching wrestling liked Warrior more than Hogan. Who can anyone forget his promos? Today you might think its silly hear him rambling. But as a kid I enjoyed it. He brought intensity in his promos saying some wild out of the world things makes you think he might be smartest man alive. Chris Jericho said it best when it comes his promos. "I don't know what he said, but it sounded cool so yay!"   Looking back at his promos I can't help, but drawn in to it. So what his matches isn't up to par? Whenever Warrior is around expect energetic flow all over the place all the way from parts unknown. Ultimate Warrior ruled.

2013 Top 10 Anarchy Championship Wrestling Matches

Anarchy Championship Wrestling saw a shift of change in 2013. An era ended and new one began with declaration of war. Despite the changes what remained the same are matches they put on the shows entertaining the fans in attendance. Matches that stick out for being awesome in the ring in form of ring work, crowd pleasing, storytelling, importance, or all above. Having been to every show at The Mohawk of this year I'm listing top 10 matches from ACW. Note I didn't attended Fun Fun Fun Fest shows so there be no matches from there listed. You think this is easy?

First the honorable mentions. Too many good ones to list:

Barrett Brown vs Gary Jay (An Absence of Law)

A.C.H. vs Ricky Starks (An Absence of Law)

Evan Gelistico vs Ricky Starks (Queen of Queens)

Matthew Palmer vs Davey Vega (Dismay, Distrust, and Anti-Social Behavior)

Paul London/Jack Jameson vs Evan Gelistico/Gary Jay (Lone Star Classic)

As for top 10 list:

Mess with us you will get beaten St. Louis style

10. Submission Squad vs Bolt Brady, Jason Silver, Ricky Starks, Jessica James (Delusions of Our Childish Days) - well booked match made Submission Squad looked strong as one unit after years of being opposite sides. It made sense their opponents consist of everyone except Jason Silver, who was replacement for Darin Childs, had run-ins with one of members of the group within the year. Everyone played their role well. SS being dastardly heels used every tag team trick in the book to get ahead. Despite SS working great together there is still weakness as in Pierre Abernathy getting manhandle by Jessica James. The faces bodyslamming Evan Gelistico for his dirty deeds he done to them. Jessica James and Jason Silver playing partner in peril. Ricky Starks desperately wanting get in the ring over the course of low blows and beat downs from SS. Everyone in this match clicked with strong storytelling and in-ring action. Submission Squad walked away with a victory sending a message to the back this St. Louis crew is not to be messed with. 

When they meant hardcore match they meant it

9. Matthew Palmer vs Shawn Vexx (From Innocence to Insanity) - when the crews removed the mat and apron exposing nothing but board you know you are about saw something special. These two fought for hardcore title in a board ring. Brutal match to witness as it screams pain giving it psychological feel. When either wrestler slammed and suplexed on the board its if you can feel the pain and hurt of landing on it. This match was a fight from beginning to end with Centerfold retaining hardcore title.

Let me put my feet on your back thank you very much.

8. Barrett Brown vs A.C.H. (From Innocence to Insanity) - while A.C.H. stands for attitude, charisma, and heart it could have more meanings. Meanings of attitude turns to arrogance, charisma leads to confidence then to cockiness, and heart becomes big headed. This what this match became when hero of Anarchy took on the young Chosen One. Like he did to Jeff Gant months ago, A.C.H. got arrogant and cocky pushing Barrett Brown to the extra limit. He gone far to prop his legs on back of Brown. Brown responded back trading kicks, chops, shots, slaps, and flying moves against him. Now its a fight at new level with a focus as they were evenly matched. So evenly matched both were kicking out at each other signature moves. It boils down whoever made last mistake will lose the match. It was veteran A.C.H. who made the last mistake when try for something big only to fall as Brown pulled off upset win. After the match A.C.H. gave his props and shook Brown hands this time as the loser. This match added a fork on the road. One road have A.C.H. and Killer feud over his choice of opponents as next wrestler to lead Anarchy. Second road had Carson showing up months claiming he was original next big guy at Anarchy to feud with Brown over being prodigy of Anarchy. Gotta love it when seeds are planted and it grows.

Good job Jeff! You done well.

7. A.C.H. vs Jeff Gant (Nothing is Real as a Dream) - this match is something you read in Apter magazines or saw in few movies such as Rocky. Story of top guy giving a young guy/underdog a chance to step up and have the guts make himself into potential main eventer. This match left me shocked. Shocked A.C.H. handpicked Jeff Gant, a referee turned wrestler fans hardly cared about, as his opponent. Shocked how good of a match mixed with psychology and storytelling. Throughout the match A.C.H. acted cocky, punking and taunting Gant encouraging him to man up. Gant fought back valiantly only to submit to Texas Cloverleaf at the end. Despite fans not being receptive its mission accomplished leading to few things. Jeff Gant saw his errors way and gives it his all in the ring improving slowly. This led to feud between A.C.H. and Killer Kash over A.C.H. choosing Gant as his opponent over Kash. In one match it made two wrestlers to watch for. This match could lead to more possibilities down the line if and when they choose the route with hint of foreshadowing.

Kyle Hawk emotional post match speech

6. Davey Vega vs Kyle Hawk (Queen of Queens) - a big send-off match for Kyle Hawk as he got called to duty in Afghanistan prior to the show. In possibly his final match he went all or nothing giving it all against the Ace of Anarchy. Despite Vega efforts keep him down and grounded Hawk kept fighting back like a soldier. Vega finally put him away when he made Hawk pass out to a submission hold. In one most memorable post match moments Kyle Hawk gave heartfelt speech and thanks to family, friends, fans, and everyone in the back. After he left the ring the entire crowd sang National Anthem. Thank you Kyle Hawk for your service to the country! Stay safe! Godspeed!

Athena and Barbi Hayden test each other

5. Barbi Hayden vs Athena (Queen of Queens) - while both faced each other before this one-on-one battle has the stakes much higher. Both are in semi-finals match of Queen of Queens tournament with the winner going to the finals. At same time involved is television title held by Athena, who happens to be winner of 2012 tournament, is on the line during the tournament. Winner of this match moves on to the finals with television title riding huge wave of momentum. Couldn't get more high stakes than that. The match is like a game of poker. Early on the match both try to out-wrestle and test each other early just like poker players trying read and psyche each other. They kicked in high gear betting chip after chip battling each other back and forth in and out of the ring move for move. As both put it all in to bet it was Barbi who came out the winner with two aces and three queens throwing Athena off the top as she tried go for O-Face and follows it with DDT to end the match. Barbi Hayden goes to the finals as new television champion and wave of momentum heading into it.

Scot Summers takes Jerry Lynn for wild ride through a board

4. Jerry Lynn vs Scot Summers (Guilty by Association 7) - In rematch from GBA2 Godfather of Anarchy tangled with forefather of Anarchy Mr. Showtime for one final time. Fans jam packed The Mohawk to witness retiring Jerry Lynn final ACW and Texas match of his storied career. Before the match crowd threw and showered Jerry Lynn with streamers in sign of respect. Both men went out in style delivering hard hitting wrestling action as a board, chair, ladder, and table came to play. A psychological factor of this match can Jerry Lynn body hold together as he get slammed on the ladder and gone through a board. After hard fought battle it concluded when Lynn made Summers tap to crossface. The large crowd, some crying, gave these two standing ovation as Jerry Lynn walked out his final ACW match the winner. Little did fans know this match ended an era of Anarchy and gave it one hell of final ride for one final time. After the match everything shockingly changed and new era arrived whether we like it or not. Like top of the website said, "Enjoy the ride."  I'm still on the ride. Thank you Jerry Lynn for years of memories in the ring!

I, Davey Vega, promise to be fair

3. Davey Vega vs A.C.H. (Beyond Good and Evil) - opponents being familiar and having in-ring chemistry down bring out the best each time. See these two as they blazed it again this time at The Mohawk. This time dynamics change instead friendly face vs face match its face vs tweener. A.C.H., the cool cocky hero, cheered on by the fans while Davey Vega, the tweener, getting mostly booed for his actions often showing heel side during past few shows. Before the match Davey Vega promise A.C.H. they would have fair match. As usual, both put on clinic in the ring this time Davey Vega showing his true colors getting frustrated as he couldn't pin A.C.H. A low blow follow with a cradle finally gives Vega the victory and one way ticket to heeldom.

2. Jimmy Jacobs vs Davey Vega (An Absence of Law) - first show of new era of Anarchy produced amazing main event between Jacobs and Vega. Jacobs arrived back at ACW in tune up match before meeting retiring J.T. LaMotta months down the road and got jumped by LaMotta before his match. This match added in storytelling of Jacobs, who is big indy star thinking Vega isn't on his level. Vega, being Ace of Anarchy, is more than prepare willing show Jacobs he can hang at his level. When Jacobs realized Vega is serious he got serious and kicked up a notch matching each other. Both had fans split with dueling chants and not knowing who's going come out on top. Jacobs finally prevailed with a win and getting jumped again by LaMotta setting up their final match few months later.

On this night we shall rumble all night long and to the death til one of us wins

1. Matthew Palmer vs A.C.H. (Guilty by Association 7) - absolute no-brainer. Those who witness this match knew this match can't be topped at all for rest of 2013 year. This started over simple fact both are one of best in Texas indies and not once a winner declared the both times they faced other ending in no contests. This blowoff match must have a winner and its for hardcore title held by Matthew Palmer. Before the match both agreed to straight up wrestling match rules instead hardcore match rules. These two put on classic trading each other move-for-move leaving fans on edge of their seat wondering who will get the pinfall. Palmer came up victorious, but the end the fans spoke as chants "Best in Texas!" echoed all over The Mohawk at both wrestlers.

Flip flop fail. Karma is a bitch Cracker Barrel

Call it karma. After working there for worst 6 months of my life dealing with their bullshit only get suspended over bullshit forcing me to quit. Earlier this week after media hacks blew up over remarks key guys for Duck Dynasty made the idiot morons at Cracker Barrel headquarters overreacted and decide to pull Duck Dynasty items off the shelf and disassociate themselves from Duck Dynasty. After getting wind of thousands of negative remarks for pulling it Cracker Barrel decide to flip flop and put the items back the next day. That move got them more deep shit from consumers leading boycotts and customers never ever stepping foot in their shitty restaurants ever again. Nice moves you fucking idiots! You, Cracker Barrel, shown how much giant hypocrites over this for this stupid flip flopping. Their policies are bullshit. Their restaurant are bullshit. Their store are bullshit. Their food are bullshit. The management definitely full of bullshit. Way a go Cracker Barrel, more like Fucker Barrel. Eat shit and may I wish your entire restaurant chain fail and close down!

Top Prospects from 15 Years Ago

Was going through old minor league programs and found these interesting gems. The program was 1998 Midland Angels team who was at the time LAA Angels Double-A affiliate. They previewed teams of Texas League with small profile of club affiliate no. 1 prospect. The teams and affiliates at the time were this:

Midland Angels = LAA Angels
El Paso Diablos =  Milwaukee Brewers
San Antonio Missions = LA Dodgers
Jackson Generals = Houston Astros
Arkansas Travelers = St. Louis Cardinals
Shreveport Captains = SF Giants
Tulsa Drillers = Texas Rangers
Wichita Wranglers = KC Royals

The top prospects featured:

Eli Marerro - bounced back from cancer scare playing 10 years in majors. Spent 1997-2003 with Cardinals. He bounced through various teams in 2004-2006. Came full circle playing for Cardinals Triple-A team in 2007 his final year of playing. Currently manager of Reds Single-A affiliate team.

 

Valerio de los Santos -  spent 9 years in the majors with little success in journeyman career as he was turned from starter to reliever. Forever known as the pitcher who beaned Adam Greenberg in his first MLB at-bat.

Richard Hidalgo - had up and down career as he would have one good year then one off year like a see-saw. Had monster 2000 season with 44 homeruns, 122 RBIs, and .314 batting average looking like an All-Star.  He follow it up with 19 HR, 80 RBI, and batting .275 in 2001 with another low in 2002. Bounced back up in 2003 with 28 HR, 88 RBI, and batting .309. Astros cut their loss sending to the Mets in 2004. He played for Rangers in 2005, his last year in the majors. He made a comeback in 2008 and 2009.

 

Paul Konerko - 17 years in the league and still going strong with 6 All-Star selections. This turned out one of bad trades for TWO teams. In 1997 Dodgers shipped him along with Dennys Reyes to Cincinnati Reds for Jeff Shaw. In the offseason Reds traded him to Chicago White Sox for Mike Cameron. He found a home as member of White Sox becoming All-Star caliber player helping team break a drought winning World Series in 2005. Could 2013 be his final season?

Dante Powell - flamed out playing total of 70 games in 4 years. Last played in 2002.

Ruben Mateo - 6 year journeyman career last playing the majors in 2004. Made a return in 2007 playing minor league ball til 2009. Made another comeback last year in Mexican League.

Mike Sweeney - Played 16 seasons and four teams becoming five-time All-Star. All his All-Star selections came as member of the Royals.

As for Angels top prospect?

He became four-time All-Star and MVP of 2002 World Series. Seven of the players on top 10 went to the majors. Norm Hutchins who never made it last played in 2012.

For changes:
- Jackson Generals became Round Rock Express. Express later became Triple-A team (after buying Edmonton team) and Corpus Christi Hooks took its place. Still Astros affiliate to this day. This Generals team was located in Mississippi, not the current incarnation in Tennessee.

- Shreveport Captains changed their names to Swamp Dragons then relocated becoming Frisco Roughriders who are now Rangers Double-A affiliate. They went back to Captains name being independent team before getting sold in 2011 and moving to Laredo.

- El Paso Diablos became Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate and played til 2004 as it got sold and moved to Springfield, Missouri becoming Springfield Cardinals, a Cardinals affiliate. Diablos soldiered on with another team playing independent ball til this year. Next year El Paso gets a Triple-A team.

- Wichita Wranglers still Royal affiliate to this day, but relocated to Springdale, Arkansas calling themselves Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Wichita got independent team now called Wingnuts.

- Arkansas Travelers became Angels affiliate.

- San Antonio Missions changed affiliates to Mariners then Padres who now their current affiliate.

- Midland became A's affiliate the following year changing the name to Rockhounds.

- Tulsa Drillers changed affiliates to Rockies.