And so our memorable baseball season comes to an end. The Phoenix Desert Dogs beat the Grand Canyon Rafters 6-2 ending the 15th Arizona Fall League season in fine form. A relatively smaller than usual crowd for the championship game (this was our third in a row) saw a few innings of shutout pitching before two costly errors put The Dogs ahead to stay. An 8th inning home run by Detroit Tigers prospect Brent Clevlen capped the victory which was saved by Blue Jays young closer-to-be, Tracy Thorpe (all 6-4, 250 of him).

We are sad to see the season come to an end.It was a season that included the World Baseball Classic, Cactus League, major league games, the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh, Fall League, the Fall League All-Star Game and now the title game. We loved every inning of every game and can't wait til 2007.

A far more fan-friendly place for baseball fans is Maryvale Stadium, the site of the Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training facility. It is in the middle of nowhere as Phoenix goes (51^st Ave south of Indian School), but a great, modern place with multiple practice fields. I believe a good portion of Wisconsin was at the park, escaping the cold weather and enjoying their heroes.

The multiple fields, in places like Mesa (Cubs) and Papago Park (A's), results in players walking between facilities, offering a chance for autographs, pictures, handshakes, etc.. Go early and bring lots of sunscreen.

I was excited to see that ESPN would be airing the World Baseball Classic games on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Desportes. I am looking forward to my coverage of the WBC games (here in Arizona and in San Diego). I am not looking to encounter the wrath of Major League Baseball, Fidel Castro or the Treasury Department, so I will have no game footage. I will, however, have lots of pre-game action, events in and around the semis and finals in San Diego and whatever cool stuff related to the game happens to unfold in front of my lens.

I was talking with a friend the other day about the World Cup and the fact that it would be perhaps the best global sporting event to see in person. All eyes will be on how FIFA ®, the World cup organizing body, utilizes the “digital channel” to allow the billions of fans who cannot fly to Germany (let alone get tickets) enjoy the games. Here’s a story from the UK talking about one effort to monetize the qualifying games.

 

As for me, I think it could be one of the greatest videoblogging opportunities ever. If someone gave me a press credential, I’d be there.

I don't know much about this announcement, but if Ted Turner is behind it, I'll bet it's cool. I'd also bet there is some sports element to the games.

When it comes to creativity and daring, Turner is unsurpassed; well maybe Sir Richard Branson is up there as well. Keep in mind, it was the Original Superstation, WTBS, that created the TV show "Tush," named for the creative genius Bill Tush. Two members of Bill's troupe--Bonnie and Terry Turner--went on to stardom as writers for SNL and the sitcom, "That '70s Show." Jan Hooks, also from "Tush," went on to be a cast member on SNL.

And they owe it all to Bill...