Another interesting item from Disability Scoop..
Scientists say they can predict with near perfect accuracy whether or not a child has autism from a blood sample.
Using an algorithm to assess metabolites in blood, researchers were able to identify samples that came from kids with autism in 97.6 percent of cases.
The findings published recently in the journal PLOS Computational Biology open the door to a possible biomarker for autism.
"The method presented in this work is the only one of its kind that can classify an individual as being on the autism spectrum or as being neurotypical," said Juergen Hahn of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. and the lead author of the study. "We are not aware of any other method, using any type of biomarker that can do this, much less with the degree of accuracy that we see in our work."
The study involved blood samples collected from 83 children with autism and 76 neurotypical children ages 3 to 10 at Arkansas Children's Hospital. Rather than examining one particular gene or a single biomarker, researchers used big data techniques to take a broader look in order to find statistically significant patterns.
In kids with autism, substances produced by what are known as folate- dependent one- carbon metabolism and transulfuration pathways were altered, according to the findings.
"Instead of looking at individual metabolites, we investigated patterns of several metabolites and found significant differences between metabolites of children with ASD and those that are neurotypical. These differences allow us to categorize whether an individual is on the autism spectrum," Hahn said. "By measuring 24 metabolites from a blood sample, this algorithm can tell whether or not an individual is on the autism spectrum, and even to some degree where on the spectrum they land."
Hahn said that he's looking to replicate the results, but indicated the findings could point to new ways to diagnose autism or potential treatments for the developmental disorder.
Friday, March 17, 2017
IN THE NEWS- TRUMP'S "SKINNY BUDGET" SOWS UNCERTAINTY FOR DISABILITY PROGRAMS
This article is from Disability Scoop...
Deep cuts to domestic spending outlined in a budget plan released by the White House this week could have big implications for people with developmental disabilities.
The White House Office of Management and Budget unveiled a 62-page so-called "skinny budget" recently offering a look at the Trump administration's fiscal priorities for 2018.
The proposal calls for substantial increases in defense and homeland security spending and fun ding for a wall along the border with Mexico coupled with broad domestic cuts touching everything from education to medical research, housing and transportation programs.
"We are going to do more with less, and make the government lean and accountable to the people," President Donald Trump wrote in a note accompanying the plan.
The budget blueprint includes a 17.9 percent drop to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 13 percent less for the Department of Education, a 13.2 percent reduction in Department of Housing and Urban Development spending and a decrease of 21 percent for the Department of Labor.
"Given that people with disabilities rely on non-defense discretionary programs much more than defense, homeland security and veterans funding, having such a huge cut in (non-defense discretionary programs) funding will have a devastating impact on the programs people with disabilities use and rely on to work, receive an education ( and) live in the community," said David Card of the National Disability Rights Network.
Trump's plan "refocuses" the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy, "eliminating less critical technical assistance grants and launching an early intervention demonstration project to allow states to test and evaluate methods that help individuals with disabilities remain attached to or reconnect to the labor market."
Details are scant regarding how the proposed cutbacks in domestic funding would affect many other programs serving people with developmental disabilities.
The president's proposal represents a first step in the budget process and any spending plan would need approval from Congress.
One area that's not on Trump's chopping block, however, is special education. The budget blueprint "maintains approximately $ 13 billion in funding " for programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Nonetheless, advocates say, it's too early to tell what that might given the limited information in the skinny budget,
"Is the funding flat in total for (IDEA) Part C, 619, Part B and Part D, or is the funding flat for just Part B and are the other elements of the law cut? We won't know until the more formal budget comes out in May, " said Katy Beh Neas, executive vice president for public affairs at Easterseals.
Deep cuts to domestic spending outlined in a budget plan released by the White House this week could have big implications for people with developmental disabilities.
The White House Office of Management and Budget unveiled a 62-page so-called "skinny budget" recently offering a look at the Trump administration's fiscal priorities for 2018.
The proposal calls for substantial increases in defense and homeland security spending and fun ding for a wall along the border with Mexico coupled with broad domestic cuts touching everything from education to medical research, housing and transportation programs.
"We are going to do more with less, and make the government lean and accountable to the people," President Donald Trump wrote in a note accompanying the plan.
The budget blueprint includes a 17.9 percent drop to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 13 percent less for the Department of Education, a 13.2 percent reduction in Department of Housing and Urban Development spending and a decrease of 21 percent for the Department of Labor.
"Given that people with disabilities rely on non-defense discretionary programs much more than defense, homeland security and veterans funding, having such a huge cut in (non-defense discretionary programs) funding will have a devastating impact on the programs people with disabilities use and rely on to work, receive an education ( and) live in the community," said David Card of the National Disability Rights Network.
Trump's plan "refocuses" the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy, "eliminating less critical technical assistance grants and launching an early intervention demonstration project to allow states to test and evaluate methods that help individuals with disabilities remain attached to or reconnect to the labor market."
Details are scant regarding how the proposed cutbacks in domestic funding would affect many other programs serving people with developmental disabilities.
The president's proposal represents a first step in the budget process and any spending plan would need approval from Congress.
One area that's not on Trump's chopping block, however, is special education. The budget blueprint "maintains approximately $ 13 billion in funding " for programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Nonetheless, advocates say, it's too early to tell what that might given the limited information in the skinny budget,
"Is the funding flat in total for (IDEA) Part C, 619, Part B and Part D, or is the funding flat for just Part B and are the other elements of the law cut? We won't know until the more formal budget comes out in May, " said Katy Beh Neas, executive vice president for public affairs at Easterseals.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
IN THE NEWS- POLICE LEARN TO BETTER UNDERSTAND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The San Antonio Express-News provides the following article...
When Tom Iland began driving as a teenager roughly 15 years ago, his mother Emily fretted endlessly.
Iland was diagnosed with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, and his mother worried he might be stopped by police and wouldn't know how to react to common police demands or questions.
Iland loves Jim Carrey movies and quoted them religiously. At times, he also had a hard time making ete contact, a common characteristic of the condition.
"What if he quoted a Jim Carrey movie in the middle of a traffic stop?" Emily wondered. "What if he didn't make eye contact, and the police officer thought it was odd?"
Emily Iland, at the time a stay-at-home mom, decided to launch a career as an autism advocate and researcher. She is now an adjunct professor in the department of special education at California State Universality, Northridge, and she has developed. with the help of her son,developmental and intellectual disability training for law enforcement agencies nationwide, including the Los Angeles Police Department.
The training is designed to help officers better understand autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome ADHD and other conditions and to teach those with disabilities how to act if they have a police encounter or need assistance from an officer.
"It's not enough to train the police,"Tom Iland said. "Young people don;t know what to expect when they interact with an officer. We designed this program to be a bridge,"
Roughly 15 percent of children in the United States- or about one in six- have a developmental disability, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additionally, the prevalence of developmental disabilities has increased nearly 17 percent between 1996 and 2008, according to a CDC study.
As the number of people with disabilities has increased, so too has the number of violent or deadly interactions with police officers.
In 2013, a 26-year-old Maryland man with Down syndrome died of asphyxiation after he refused to leave a movie theater and sheriff's deputies put him on the floor and handcuffed him, despite pleas from his caretaker to stop.
And in 2009, a Tennessee man with cerebral palsy accidentally hit a dog with his car. He explained to responding deputies that he had a medical condition, but the officers believed he was driving drunk and sent him to jail.
And in 2009, a deaf man who had become ill while using a public restroom was pepper sprayed and Tasered repeatedly by police officers who grew concerned after he didn't respond to their warnings. He hadn't heard them.
The Ilands hope the training will prevent such tragedies. When an arrest does need to occur, the Illands coach officers to accommodate individuals with disabilities- for example, handcuffing an individual with cerebral palsy and two sets of handcuffs , since being confined in one pair is very painful for people with the condition.
In January, the U.S. Department of Justice issued similar guidelines, recommending officers make slight modifications to their police strategies in such situations.
"It's not special treatment," said Tom Iland. "It's accommodations."
Emily and Tom Iland say their two-way approach to training is the first of its kind.
At a recent training with 40 officers from various law enforcement agencies in Texas, the course started with a 60-page presentation, education officers about common characteristics that many people with developmental disabilities exhibit. The instructors also led participants in hands-on training. At one point,they were instructed to use silicone oven mitts and try to place paperclips on a stack of papers to show what it feels like to have cerebral palsy.
"I can't do it! This is hard!" said one individual with a disability.
"Your'e doing great!" an officer responded as he struggled to do it.
The training is meant to build this type of compassion and establish relationships. "Having empathy first is an odd way to train, but research shows it's very effective," Emily Iland said.
Sgt. Tom Vitacco of Alamo Heights police and Sgt. Tina Vitacco of Universal City police- the two are married- showed individuals with disabilities the tools they carry on their uniform. They told them it's OK to look and ask questions, but it's not OK to touch.
"Young people with disabilities often do things that create bad situations, like running from police or touching an officer's weapon," Tom Iland explained.
Berni Kelly, an associate director of curriculum at The Arc of San Antonio, a social service organization for people with developmental disabilities, said she was impressed by the training.
Kelly has a 21-year-old son with high-functioning autism. She often worries what would happen if he had a bad interaction with police officers who don't understand his condition or social skills.
Her son, who is in a public school, recently became angry after his teacher changed his reading privileges in an effort to focus on social skills instead.
The teacher wasn't able to calm Kelly's son, and she called Kelly to say: Get here in 15 minutes, or I'm calling the police.
Kelly knows her son, who is 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, would never hurt anyone. But officers may not understand his mannerisms and feel threatened by his size.
"This is a bridge that really does need to be gapped," Kelly said.
When Tom Iland began driving as a teenager roughly 15 years ago, his mother Emily fretted endlessly.
Iland was diagnosed with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, and his mother worried he might be stopped by police and wouldn't know how to react to common police demands or questions.
Iland loves Jim Carrey movies and quoted them religiously. At times, he also had a hard time making ete contact, a common characteristic of the condition.
"What if he quoted a Jim Carrey movie in the middle of a traffic stop?" Emily wondered. "What if he didn't make eye contact, and the police officer thought it was odd?"
Emily Iland, at the time a stay-at-home mom, decided to launch a career as an autism advocate and researcher. She is now an adjunct professor in the department of special education at California State Universality, Northridge, and she has developed. with the help of her son,developmental and intellectual disability training for law enforcement agencies nationwide, including the Los Angeles Police Department.
The training is designed to help officers better understand autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome ADHD and other conditions and to teach those with disabilities how to act if they have a police encounter or need assistance from an officer.
"It's not enough to train the police,"Tom Iland said. "Young people don;t know what to expect when they interact with an officer. We designed this program to be a bridge,"
Roughly 15 percent of children in the United States- or about one in six- have a developmental disability, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additionally, the prevalence of developmental disabilities has increased nearly 17 percent between 1996 and 2008, according to a CDC study.
As the number of people with disabilities has increased, so too has the number of violent or deadly interactions with police officers.
In 2013, a 26-year-old Maryland man with Down syndrome died of asphyxiation after he refused to leave a movie theater and sheriff's deputies put him on the floor and handcuffed him, despite pleas from his caretaker to stop.
And in 2009, a Tennessee man with cerebral palsy accidentally hit a dog with his car. He explained to responding deputies that he had a medical condition, but the officers believed he was driving drunk and sent him to jail.
And in 2009, a deaf man who had become ill while using a public restroom was pepper sprayed and Tasered repeatedly by police officers who grew concerned after he didn't respond to their warnings. He hadn't heard them.
The Ilands hope the training will prevent such tragedies. When an arrest does need to occur, the Illands coach officers to accommodate individuals with disabilities- for example, handcuffing an individual with cerebral palsy and two sets of handcuffs , since being confined in one pair is very painful for people with the condition.
In January, the U.S. Department of Justice issued similar guidelines, recommending officers make slight modifications to their police strategies in such situations.
"It's not special treatment," said Tom Iland. "It's accommodations."
Emily and Tom Iland say their two-way approach to training is the first of its kind.
At a recent training with 40 officers from various law enforcement agencies in Texas, the course started with a 60-page presentation, education officers about common characteristics that many people with developmental disabilities exhibit. The instructors also led participants in hands-on training. At one point,they were instructed to use silicone oven mitts and try to place paperclips on a stack of papers to show what it feels like to have cerebral palsy.
"I can't do it! This is hard!" said one individual with a disability.
"Your'e doing great!" an officer responded as he struggled to do it.
The training is meant to build this type of compassion and establish relationships. "Having empathy first is an odd way to train, but research shows it's very effective," Emily Iland said.
Sgt. Tom Vitacco of Alamo Heights police and Sgt. Tina Vitacco of Universal City police- the two are married- showed individuals with disabilities the tools they carry on their uniform. They told them it's OK to look and ask questions, but it's not OK to touch.
"Young people with disabilities often do things that create bad situations, like running from police or touching an officer's weapon," Tom Iland explained.
Berni Kelly, an associate director of curriculum at The Arc of San Antonio, a social service organization for people with developmental disabilities, said she was impressed by the training.
Kelly has a 21-year-old son with high-functioning autism. She often worries what would happen if he had a bad interaction with police officers who don't understand his condition or social skills.
Her son, who is in a public school, recently became angry after his teacher changed his reading privileges in an effort to focus on social skills instead.
The teacher wasn't able to calm Kelly's son, and she called Kelly to say: Get here in 15 minutes, or I'm calling the police.
Kelly knows her son, who is 6-foot-1 and 300 pounds, would never hurt anyone. But officers may not understand his mannerisms and feel threatened by his size.
"This is a bridge that really does need to be gapped," Kelly said.
OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- HOW TO LIVE A "NO EXCUSES" LIFESTYLE & SUCCEED
I wrote the following article for The Phoenix newspaper for publication on June 20, 2006...
A great inspirational book to read is "No Excuses" by Kyle Maynard (Regnery Publishing). Perhaps you saw Kyle on Oprah this past season. Kyle is a teenager from a small town in Georgia. He was born as a congenial amputee- his arms ending at his elbows and his legs at his knees.
The audio biography tells how Kyle beat the odds with a "no excuses" attitude, instilled by his parents, future sports coaches, and by his own inner faith and determination.
Kyle has faced many challenges and beat the odds in life, becoming a champion athlete, inspirational speaker, college student and even male model.
Even though Kyle played football in high school ( he was a tough-nosed defensive lineman), his true love is wrestling. He lost all of his initial matches, but after hours and hours of practice and tips from coaches who never gave up on his ability, Kyle began winning matches. He even became a state champion. Even to this day, although he has lost matches, he has never been pinned in his wrestling career.
The book not only explores Kyle's feelings and coping skills, but it leans heavily on the influence from his family, friends and coaches as he was growing up.
The book also contains a diet and exercise regimen, plus thirteen ways to live a "No Excuses" life.
Kyle was named the "World's Strongest Teen" when in 2005 he broke a bench pressing world record by lifting 360 lbs.
All this without hands.
He does just about everything any able-bodied person does too, including drive. This is one element of the book I wished to learn more about. How does Kyle do normal, everyday things, like driving, tying his shoes and eating- without the benefit of hands or feet? What are his feelings about dating? How did he earn any money as all teenagers do?
Although I love sports, if your'e not into sports, (specifically wrestling)those sections of his story may be a bit long, as his challenges in the world of sports are profiled to a great extent.
Still, Kyle's story is one of inspiration and determination, and well worth the read. I think it would be especially interesting to other teens and any athlete.
I must admit, when I saw him on Oprah, "walking" into the studio on the stumps of his elbows and knees, then climbing up on the couch for the interview, I felt strange. Not pity, maybe just an uncomfortable feeling, a sight rarely seen. But once the interview began I felt Kyle was just as "normal" as anyone. More importantly, he had his head on straight. He doesn't stress the small stuff, and looks at the positive things in life.
This made me appreciate his book even more.
It also proves once again that one's state of mind emerges as the most important asset an individual possesses.
You can pick up Kyle's story at most bookstores or order it on Amazon.com
A great inspirational book to read is "No Excuses" by Kyle Maynard (Regnery Publishing). Perhaps you saw Kyle on Oprah this past season. Kyle is a teenager from a small town in Georgia. He was born as a congenial amputee- his arms ending at his elbows and his legs at his knees.
The audio biography tells how Kyle beat the odds with a "no excuses" attitude, instilled by his parents, future sports coaches, and by his own inner faith and determination.
Kyle has faced many challenges and beat the odds in life, becoming a champion athlete, inspirational speaker, college student and even male model.
Even though Kyle played football in high school ( he was a tough-nosed defensive lineman), his true love is wrestling. He lost all of his initial matches, but after hours and hours of practice and tips from coaches who never gave up on his ability, Kyle began winning matches. He even became a state champion. Even to this day, although he has lost matches, he has never been pinned in his wrestling career.
The book not only explores Kyle's feelings and coping skills, but it leans heavily on the influence from his family, friends and coaches as he was growing up.
The book also contains a diet and exercise regimen, plus thirteen ways to live a "No Excuses" life.
Kyle was named the "World's Strongest Teen" when in 2005 he broke a bench pressing world record by lifting 360 lbs.
All this without hands.
He does just about everything any able-bodied person does too, including drive. This is one element of the book I wished to learn more about. How does Kyle do normal, everyday things, like driving, tying his shoes and eating- without the benefit of hands or feet? What are his feelings about dating? How did he earn any money as all teenagers do?
Although I love sports, if your'e not into sports, (specifically wrestling)those sections of his story may be a bit long, as his challenges in the world of sports are profiled to a great extent.
Still, Kyle's story is one of inspiration and determination, and well worth the read. I think it would be especially interesting to other teens and any athlete.
I must admit, when I saw him on Oprah, "walking" into the studio on the stumps of his elbows and knees, then climbing up on the couch for the interview, I felt strange. Not pity, maybe just an uncomfortable feeling, a sight rarely seen. But once the interview began I felt Kyle was just as "normal" as anyone. More importantly, he had his head on straight. He doesn't stress the small stuff, and looks at the positive things in life.
This made me appreciate his book even more.
It also proves once again that one's state of mind emerges as the most important asset an individual possesses.
You can pick up Kyle's story at most bookstores or order it on Amazon.com
IN THE NEWS_ BUCKING TREND, 9 IN 10 WITH AUTISM LAND JOBS AFTER TRAINING
From Disability Scoop...
When given the right supports and training, a new study suggests that nearly all young people with autism who qualify for supported employment can learn to excel on the job.
Nine out of 10 transition-age youth with autism who participated in an intensive job training program were working part-time earning at least minimum wage three months after graduating high school. What's more, 87 percent were still working after 12 months.
By comparison, just 6 percent of their peers with autism who did not participate in the intervention were employed three months after graduation and only 12 percent were working after a year, according to findings published in the April issue of the journal Autism.
"This study shows the c;ear-cut potential vocationally of youth with autism and also the receptivity of employers to hiring and retaining young people with autism," said Paul Wehman of Vorginia Commonwealth University who led the research.
For the study, researchers looked at 31 students on the spectrum ages 18 to 21 who participated in a program called Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports. The experiences of these young people were then compared to 18 of their peers with autism who completed high school without this type of intensive workplace training. All of those studied were on track for a "special diploma" because they could not meet the academic requirements for a traditional diploma.
During the nine-month intervention, individuals spend their last year of high school rotating through internships at large community businesses like hospitals, government offices or banking centers where they receive support on the job and participate in classroom time. The program incorporates the use of applied behavior analysis techniques to best the address the social and communications challenges of those on the spectrum.
The differences between those in the Project SEARCH group and the control group were striking, researchers indicated. Nearly everyone who received the job training was able to find and maintain employment after finishing school and saw increased hours and wages over time while those who did not participate struggled to find work and, when they did, earned less than a dollar per hour on average.
Beyond employment alone, researchers said that individuals in the intervention group were able to become less dependent on supports over time while their peers who did not participate in Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports became more dependent.
"In many cases, we saw students with very high support needs significantly reduce their support needs," said Carol Schall, an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who worked on the study.
"For example, one person required very frequent verbal prompting to demonstrate appropriate social interaction with his co-workers. Initially, he would giggle, stare inappropriately at co-workers and supervisors and walk by co-workers when they spoke to him. He required verbal prompting at least once a day for 30 minutes to 2 hours daily. By the end of the study, he required no support in this area at all.
Wehman, Schall and their colleagues wrote in their findings that the intensive internships "acted as the vocational equivalent of intensive early intervention"that has become standard treatment for young children on the spectrum.
Further evaluation of the employment training approach is underway and the researchers said they are working to standardize the program by developing a manual so that it can be replicated by schools across the country.
When given the right supports and training, a new study suggests that nearly all young people with autism who qualify for supported employment can learn to excel on the job.
Nine out of 10 transition-age youth with autism who participated in an intensive job training program were working part-time earning at least minimum wage three months after graduating high school. What's more, 87 percent were still working after 12 months.
By comparison, just 6 percent of their peers with autism who did not participate in the intervention were employed three months after graduation and only 12 percent were working after a year, according to findings published in the April issue of the journal Autism.
"This study shows the c;ear-cut potential vocationally of youth with autism and also the receptivity of employers to hiring and retaining young people with autism," said Paul Wehman of Vorginia Commonwealth University who led the research.
For the study, researchers looked at 31 students on the spectrum ages 18 to 21 who participated in a program called Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports. The experiences of these young people were then compared to 18 of their peers with autism who completed high school without this type of intensive workplace training. All of those studied were on track for a "special diploma" because they could not meet the academic requirements for a traditional diploma.
During the nine-month intervention, individuals spend their last year of high school rotating through internships at large community businesses like hospitals, government offices or banking centers where they receive support on the job and participate in classroom time. The program incorporates the use of applied behavior analysis techniques to best the address the social and communications challenges of those on the spectrum.
The differences between those in the Project SEARCH group and the control group were striking, researchers indicated. Nearly everyone who received the job training was able to find and maintain employment after finishing school and saw increased hours and wages over time while those who did not participate struggled to find work and, when they did, earned less than a dollar per hour on average.
Beyond employment alone, researchers said that individuals in the intervention group were able to become less dependent on supports over time while their peers who did not participate in Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports became more dependent.
"In many cases, we saw students with very high support needs significantly reduce their support needs," said Carol Schall, an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who worked on the study.
"For example, one person required very frequent verbal prompting to demonstrate appropriate social interaction with his co-workers. Initially, he would giggle, stare inappropriately at co-workers and supervisors and walk by co-workers when they spoke to him. He required verbal prompting at least once a day for 30 minutes to 2 hours daily. By the end of the study, he required no support in this area at all.
Wehman, Schall and their colleagues wrote in their findings that the intensive internships "acted as the vocational equivalent of intensive early intervention"that has become standard treatment for young children on the spectrum.
Further evaluation of the employment training approach is underway and the researchers said they are working to standardize the program by developing a manual so that it can be replicated by schools across the country.
Monday, March 13, 2017
BASEBALL QUIZ
Yet another Baseball Quiz...
1. Who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player and the Baseball hall of Fame as an umpire?
2. Name the pitcher, batter, and outfielder who were involved in the last out of the 1969 World Series (Hint- "Miracle Mets" beat the Baltimore Orioles in 5 games).
3. Name the first player to reach 3,000 hits in the 20th century.
A- Ty Cobb
B- Honus Wagner
C- Tris Speaker
D- Cap Anson
4. Which team had the youngest starting lineup in baseball history?
A- 1963 Colt .45s
B- 1964 Mets
C- 1970 Pilots
D- 1975 Expos
5. Who led in all Triple Crown categories the latest in the season without winning?
A- Babe Ruth
B- Ted Williams
C- Chuck Klein
D- Johnny Mize
6. Rank the following tandems by the number of homers they hit as teammates.
A- Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews
B- Willie Mays and Willie McCovey
C- Duke Snider and Gil Hodges
D- Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
7. Which of the following players hit the most home runs in a single park?
A- Ted Williams, Fenway Park
B- Ernie Banks, Wrigley Field
C- Stan Musial, Busch Stadium
D- Mel Otto, Polo Grounds
8. Rank the following Hall of Fame pitchers by who had the best record in 1-0 games.
A- Nolan Ryan
B- Ferguson Jenkins
C- Bert Blyeven
D- Greg Maddux
9. Which team had two .400 hitters the latest in a season?
A- Tigers
B- Phillies
C- Cardinals
D- Yankees
10.Name the first player whose career began after World War II to hit 500 home runs
A- Eddie Mathews
B- Mickey Mantle
C- Hank Aaron
D- Willie Mays
ANSWERS-
1.Cal Hubbard
2. Jerry Koosman, Davey Johnson and Cleon Jones
3. B
4. A
5. B ( 1949)
6. A ( 863 homers)
7. D ( 323 homers)
8. D (16-3); A ( 14-9); C ( 15-10 ); B ( 12-13)
9. B (1930- Chuck Klein & Lefty O'Doul)
10. D
1. Who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player and the Baseball hall of Fame as an umpire?
2. Name the pitcher, batter, and outfielder who were involved in the last out of the 1969 World Series (Hint- "Miracle Mets" beat the Baltimore Orioles in 5 games).
3. Name the first player to reach 3,000 hits in the 20th century.
A- Ty Cobb
B- Honus Wagner
C- Tris Speaker
D- Cap Anson
4. Which team had the youngest starting lineup in baseball history?
A- 1963 Colt .45s
B- 1964 Mets
C- 1970 Pilots
D- 1975 Expos
5. Who led in all Triple Crown categories the latest in the season without winning?
A- Babe Ruth
B- Ted Williams
C- Chuck Klein
D- Johnny Mize
6. Rank the following tandems by the number of homers they hit as teammates.
A- Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews
B- Willie Mays and Willie McCovey
C- Duke Snider and Gil Hodges
D- Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
7. Which of the following players hit the most home runs in a single park?
A- Ted Williams, Fenway Park
B- Ernie Banks, Wrigley Field
C- Stan Musial, Busch Stadium
D- Mel Otto, Polo Grounds
8. Rank the following Hall of Fame pitchers by who had the best record in 1-0 games.
A- Nolan Ryan
B- Ferguson Jenkins
C- Bert Blyeven
D- Greg Maddux
9. Which team had two .400 hitters the latest in a season?
A- Tigers
B- Phillies
C- Cardinals
D- Yankees
10.Name the first player whose career began after World War II to hit 500 home runs
A- Eddie Mathews
B- Mickey Mantle
C- Hank Aaron
D- Willie Mays
ANSWERS-
1.Cal Hubbard
2. Jerry Koosman, Davey Johnson and Cleon Jones
3. B
4. A
5. B ( 1949)
6. A ( 863 homers)
7. D ( 323 homers)
8. D (16-3); A ( 14-9); C ( 15-10 ); B ( 12-13)
9. B (1930- Chuck Klein & Lefty O'Doul)
10. D
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER
A lot going on with Philly sports...
EAGLES-
Bringing back QB Nick Foles was another good move by the Birds. He is still young and will work well with Carson Wentz. If Wentz gets hurt the Eagles are screwed anyway, plus Foles can fill in for a game or two without missing a beat. Most of all, it frees up tons of cap space when the teams trades Chase Daniels after June 1.
There may be a few more moves until the draft, but basically the major moves until late April will be cuts. Mathews, Kelcie and Kendricks are all on borrowed time. Expect the Birds to try and trade many of these names around the draft.
Speaking of which, the discussion will heat up about what the team does in the upcoming draft. Stay at #14 and take..a much-needed corner back? Or, since the draft is rich in defensive backs, use that first round pick for a young wide receiver ( Mike Williams?) or an explosive running back ( Delvin Cook?) and still have quality corner backs to take in the second and third rounds? Would they consider taking a CB with the first pick, then trading their second rounder to get back into the late first round and take Stanford RB Christian McCafferty?
So far, I love the Eagles' off-season moves. They haven't tied themselves up in long-term contracts, yet they have given the fans hope for an interesting season to come. It's refreshing to see a Philly team play for today, not just kick the can down the road for the future ( which never seems to come).
The schedule comes out in mid- April, and it should be a favorable one for the Eagles. Since the Phillies are on the road the first weekend of the NFL season in September, look for the Eagles to start the year at home. Wouldn't it be a great kick starter to play the Dallas Cowboys on a Sunday night prime-time opener?
PHILLIES-
The kids are slowly being assigned to their minor league teams this week. It's been the best part of spring training, watching the future on display. I've been most impressed with 1B Rhys Hoskins and 2B Scott Kingery, both already designated for assignment. Hoskins has power- he hit 38 homers in Reading last summer- but he seems more disciplined at the plate than the other prospects, taking walks in camp. Kingery looks like a gritty, hard-nosed player with surprising power, a Chase Utley-type. He should be a fan favorite in Philadelphia. If he continues to progress between reading and Lehigh Valley this summer, look for the Phillies to trade Cesar Hernandez down the road to open up a spot for Kingery.
OF Roman Quinn should have made this roster, if not for the signings of veterans Howie Kendricks and Michael Saunders. Quinn has shown speed, defense and even a touch of power in camp. Most of all, he has provided youth and spark and hustle into the line-up. He and Aaron Altherr should be the extra outfielders, who play often to stay sharp off the bench. Quinn is the team's only legitimate lead-off hitter. He can take a walk, steal a base and make things happen. Hopefully, if Quinn is sent down to Lehigh Valley, we see him again by mid-season.
Nick Williams looks like a keeper; J.P. Crawford is still young, but needs to have a big year at Lehigh Valley in order to take the next step to the majors and convince the Phillies that he really is the future; Dylan Cozens strikes out too much but has all the tools- power, speed, a strong arm; Jorge Alfaro will take over at the catcher spot for Cameron Rupp soon, and give the Phils another valuable trade chip in Rupp.
Angelo Cataldi , the long-time WIP sport radio host, brought up a good topic last week: Aaron Nola. Cataldi is frustrated with Nola and is starting to question his talent and durability. I agree, but I'm a bit more optimistic about Nola's future. This is a big year for the pitcher. He is still only 24, but he has to prove he can stay healthy and is worthy of being the #1 pick of the Phillies a few years ago. Nola will never be a true ace- he lacks the stuff- but can be a solid 2 or 3. The team knew this when they drafted him. He has an average fastball, and needs to locate and have pin-point control to be a Greg Maddux-type in the majors.
It will be good for Nola to be the # 5 guy in the rotation this season. It will give him more rest, yet he needs to prove that he can not only hold-up for an entire year, but be productive too. Anything less than 10 wins would be a disappointment.
Which again illustrates the need down the road for a #1 starter. The team had nice pitching depth- for the frist time in a long time- but none of the current crop of hurlers looks like an ace. This can be addressed in free agency or trades. Most scouts feel the Phillies' best arms are actually in the lower minors, which gives fans hope for years to come.
FLYERS-
Looks like the team won't make the playoffs, but I think Coach Hackstol will return next year. The Flyers are between a rock and a hard place with young players on the doorstep and possibly older, aging veterans. Their goalie situation is cloudy, as they extended Michael Niruth's contract, yet Steve Mason has played better as of late. There is still a lot of promise with the young kids, but as with many Philly teams, when will the future be now?
SIXERS-
All of the talk has died down about the front office dishonesty and the injuries because no one really cares now. The 76ers are playing out the string and trying to hold onto their draft spot (currently # 5).The emergence of Dario Saric may be the most compelling thing to watch now. The NBA Lottery is in mid-May. while the draft occurs in late June. Trade rumors will fly.
VILLANOVA-
Even though Villanova secured the overall #1 slot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in their history, they are still complaining about being in the same bracket as Duke. They should feel lucky they are in the East ( in Buffalo, NY) and won't have to travel. If the Cats are good enough- and I think they are- they will have to beat teams like Duke anyway, so who cares? It will be another fun run in March Madness, and it wil be a switch to actually have one of the local teams favored to win it all. A repeat of the college basketball crown would be the ultimate achievement for Nova. Who is gonna beat them?
EAGLES-
Bringing back QB Nick Foles was another good move by the Birds. He is still young and will work well with Carson Wentz. If Wentz gets hurt the Eagles are screwed anyway, plus Foles can fill in for a game or two without missing a beat. Most of all, it frees up tons of cap space when the teams trades Chase Daniels after June 1.
There may be a few more moves until the draft, but basically the major moves until late April will be cuts. Mathews, Kelcie and Kendricks are all on borrowed time. Expect the Birds to try and trade many of these names around the draft.
Speaking of which, the discussion will heat up about what the team does in the upcoming draft. Stay at #14 and take..a much-needed corner back? Or, since the draft is rich in defensive backs, use that first round pick for a young wide receiver ( Mike Williams?) or an explosive running back ( Delvin Cook?) and still have quality corner backs to take in the second and third rounds? Would they consider taking a CB with the first pick, then trading their second rounder to get back into the late first round and take Stanford RB Christian McCafferty?
So far, I love the Eagles' off-season moves. They haven't tied themselves up in long-term contracts, yet they have given the fans hope for an interesting season to come. It's refreshing to see a Philly team play for today, not just kick the can down the road for the future ( which never seems to come).
The schedule comes out in mid- April, and it should be a favorable one for the Eagles. Since the Phillies are on the road the first weekend of the NFL season in September, look for the Eagles to start the year at home. Wouldn't it be a great kick starter to play the Dallas Cowboys on a Sunday night prime-time opener?
PHILLIES-
The kids are slowly being assigned to their minor league teams this week. It's been the best part of spring training, watching the future on display. I've been most impressed with 1B Rhys Hoskins and 2B Scott Kingery, both already designated for assignment. Hoskins has power- he hit 38 homers in Reading last summer- but he seems more disciplined at the plate than the other prospects, taking walks in camp. Kingery looks like a gritty, hard-nosed player with surprising power, a Chase Utley-type. He should be a fan favorite in Philadelphia. If he continues to progress between reading and Lehigh Valley this summer, look for the Phillies to trade Cesar Hernandez down the road to open up a spot for Kingery.
OF Roman Quinn should have made this roster, if not for the signings of veterans Howie Kendricks and Michael Saunders. Quinn has shown speed, defense and even a touch of power in camp. Most of all, he has provided youth and spark and hustle into the line-up. He and Aaron Altherr should be the extra outfielders, who play often to stay sharp off the bench. Quinn is the team's only legitimate lead-off hitter. He can take a walk, steal a base and make things happen. Hopefully, if Quinn is sent down to Lehigh Valley, we see him again by mid-season.
Nick Williams looks like a keeper; J.P. Crawford is still young, but needs to have a big year at Lehigh Valley in order to take the next step to the majors and convince the Phillies that he really is the future; Dylan Cozens strikes out too much but has all the tools- power, speed, a strong arm; Jorge Alfaro will take over at the catcher spot for Cameron Rupp soon, and give the Phils another valuable trade chip in Rupp.
Angelo Cataldi , the long-time WIP sport radio host, brought up a good topic last week: Aaron Nola. Cataldi is frustrated with Nola and is starting to question his talent and durability. I agree, but I'm a bit more optimistic about Nola's future. This is a big year for the pitcher. He is still only 24, but he has to prove he can stay healthy and is worthy of being the #1 pick of the Phillies a few years ago. Nola will never be a true ace- he lacks the stuff- but can be a solid 2 or 3. The team knew this when they drafted him. He has an average fastball, and needs to locate and have pin-point control to be a Greg Maddux-type in the majors.
It will be good for Nola to be the # 5 guy in the rotation this season. It will give him more rest, yet he needs to prove that he can not only hold-up for an entire year, but be productive too. Anything less than 10 wins would be a disappointment.
Which again illustrates the need down the road for a #1 starter. The team had nice pitching depth- for the frist time in a long time- but none of the current crop of hurlers looks like an ace. This can be addressed in free agency or trades. Most scouts feel the Phillies' best arms are actually in the lower minors, which gives fans hope for years to come.
FLYERS-
Looks like the team won't make the playoffs, but I think Coach Hackstol will return next year. The Flyers are between a rock and a hard place with young players on the doorstep and possibly older, aging veterans. Their goalie situation is cloudy, as they extended Michael Niruth's contract, yet Steve Mason has played better as of late. There is still a lot of promise with the young kids, but as with many Philly teams, when will the future be now?
SIXERS-
All of the talk has died down about the front office dishonesty and the injuries because no one really cares now. The 76ers are playing out the string and trying to hold onto their draft spot (currently # 5).The emergence of Dario Saric may be the most compelling thing to watch now. The NBA Lottery is in mid-May. while the draft occurs in late June. Trade rumors will fly.
VILLANOVA-
Even though Villanova secured the overall #1 slot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in their history, they are still complaining about being in the same bracket as Duke. They should feel lucky they are in the East ( in Buffalo, NY) and won't have to travel. If the Cats are good enough- and I think they are- they will have to beat teams like Duke anyway, so who cares? It will be another fun run in March Madness, and it wil be a switch to actually have one of the local teams favored to win it all. A repeat of the college basketball crown would be the ultimate achievement for Nova. Who is gonna beat them?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)