Breaking Sports Update Blog

Mark "The Bird" Fidyrich, Dead at 54

2009-04-13T18:06:00.006-04:00

Former Detroit Tigers pitcher and 1976 AL Rookie of the Year, Mark "The Bird" Fidyrich, unexpectedly, was found dead in his driveway beneath his pickup truck. Fidyrich was 54.

He was 19-13 with a 2.34 ERA in 31 appearances for the Tigers in 1976. Overall, he was 29-19 with a 3.10 ERA over five injury-riddled seasons. Fidyrich was just elected to the Polish Sports Hall of Fame this week.

Fidyrich was a phenomenon who was best known for "talking to the baseball", although this was really him getting focused verbally. He was intense on the field and had a childlike innocence everywhere else.

Phil Mickelson, Woods Falter, Kenny Perry's Tournament to Win

2009-04-12T17:19:00.007-04:00

Phil Mickelson, 10-under par with one hole to play, missed a short tap-in putt for birdie on 17 at the Masters to open the door for Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry to take control of the tournament. Woods, 9-under par, is 5-under on his round today, but bogeyed at 17 and struck a tree at 18 on his approach shot from the woods.

Kenny Perry leads the tournament at 12-under through 12 with Campbell one back at 11-under after 13 holes.

Nick Adenhart Dead at 22

2009-04-09T11:54:00.006-04:00

Los Angeles Angels rookie right handed pitcher, Nick Adenhart, died after surgical attempts to save his life following a felony hit-and-run car accident early this morning in Fullerton, CA. Adenhart was just 22 years old.

Adenhart was a passenger in a silver Mitsubishi carrying four people, altogether, struck by a red minivan that ran a red light. The driver of the minivan fled on foot and was arrested a mile away by police.

Two people were declared dead at the scene by paramedics, including another member of the Angels organization. Adenhart died hours later at UC-Irvine hospital. The fourth is being treated for his injuries. A passenger in the minivan was injured and taken to Western Medical Center, but there are no reports on his present condition. A third car was involved, but there are no reports of injuries from that vehicle.

Adenhart was 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA in four career appearances. He pitched six scoreless innings for the Angels just hours before the fatal accident.

Findlay University Div II Basketball Champs

2009-03-28T17:17:00.003-04:00

Findlay University (36-0) of Findlay, Ohio, defeated unranked Cal Poly Pomona (25-8), 56-53 in overtime to claim the NCAA Division II Basketball Championship today in Springfield, MA. Senior guard, Tyler Evans, sank a 26-foot 3-pointer from the right wing at the overtime buzzer for the victory.

"I had the mindset that I was going to take the shot. I pictured it as a catch-and-shoot, but a guy was right on me, so I stepped back and let it fly," Evans said after his game winner.

"They defended Tyler well, though," Findlay coach Ron Niekamp observed. "He took a step back and let it fly. It was right out of Hoosiers."

Regulation ended at 42-42. Findlay broke the record for most wins for an undefeated team previously held by Fort Hays State at 34 in Kansas in 1996.

Ralph Wilson Not Dead

2009-03-28T00:01:00.003-04:00

Rumors swirled on the Internet this evening that Buffalo Bills owner, Ralph Wilson, had passed away. Tim Graham of ESPN, having spoken directly to club officials, has debunked the rumor.

Buffalo fans feel particular dread concerning Mr. Wilson's health since the team would pass to his two daughters who hold no interest in holding and managing the team. A sale could forebode a move to a larger television market for the small market Buffalo franchise.

Mr. Wilson, 90, of Detroit, MI, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year as an original founder of the old American Football League and owner of the Buffalo Bills since their inception in 1959. The Bills, valued today at roughly $850Million were purchased as a charter franchise for $25,000.

Billy Donovan Not a Candidate at Kentucky

2009-03-26T22:24:00.000-04:00

Multiple sources confirm that University of Florida basketball coach, Billy Donovan, is not a candidate for the new head coaching vacancy at the University of Kentucky. Rumors have been flying all day that the two-time national champion Gators coach had been considering or had signed on with UK.

Coaches that are among those considered remaining on the UK short list include, Rick Pitino from Louisville, who won a national championship at Kentucky, Ric Barnes from UT-Austin, and Travis Ford from Oklahoma St.