Wednesday night’s episode (Part 4) of Philaldephia Comcast Sportsnet’s Philly Villains show continued with numbers seven through four, with a dishonorable mention thrown in for good measure.

Matthew Barnaby - greatesthockeylegends.com

Villain #7 – Former Buffalo Sabre (and other NHL teams) Matthew Barnaby.  The words used to describe Barnaby were punk and gnat.  He wasn’t a real big guy but he played like he was.  He also had an colorful personality that the panel described as cartoonish. And supposedly he rather enjoyed playing in Philly against the Philadelphia Flyers and would be extra pumped up hours before the game.

Many hockey players have lost their front teeth at one time or another, but Barnaby decided to replace his with silver ones that were adorned with the Sabres logo (see image on right). Watch the clip here.

Barnaby was arrested and charged with a DUI back in December 2011.

Villain #6 – the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  And why would the Bucs be a villain when they aren’t even an NFC East rival?  Well what was slated to be one of if not the biggest game in Philadelphia Eagles history, and to be the last Eagles game to be played at Veterans Stadium turned into one of the worst.

It was the NFC Title Game and the Eagles were picked to take it all.  There were many reasons why the Eagles SHOULD have won that game, because basically the Eagles had everything working in their favor.  Right down to the cold weather where it was possibly hyped a little too much that the Bucs were NOT a cold weather team.  Something I always tell my son when he’s about to play a baseball game, do not ever take a team too lightly or underestimate your opponent.  And I think that is what happened to the Eagles.  Because what started off as amazing with the Eagles jumping to a 7-0 lead, 52 seconds into the game, turned into a complete disaster.

The Buccaneers went on to win 27-10 and found themselves Superbowl bound, while the Eagles lowered their heads and disappointed the 66,000 + fans at the Vet as well as the rest of Eagles fans.  Watch the clip here.

Dishonorable Mention – Former 76ers owner Harold Katz.  He was responsible for signing Shawn Bradley (Villain #15) so that is a HUGE reason why he got the nod here.

» Continue reading “Philly Villains – Part 4″

Last night Philadelphia’s Comcast Sportsnet aired the second part of Philly Villains.  And I have to say I absolutely LOVE this show.  The commentary alone is worth the watch.  All the writers/sportscasters offering up their opinions on the various villains makes for good television.

Villain #15 – former 76er Shawn Bradley.  The consensus on him, he was 7 foot, 6 inches pile of nothing. He was supposed to be the BIG name that was going to resurrect the 76ers franchise, yeah well that didn’t happen.  The panel said it was like he had cement in his sneakers, because he literally could not jump.  And last time I checked, that was usually a requirement in basketball.  He was a complete bust with an affection for junk food and McDonald’s cuisine (but hey I’m a McD’s Sweet Tea-aholic so who am I to judge).  But if the food he ate is what people remember the most, that speaks volumes.  Watch the clip here.

Villain #14 – former Philadelphia Eagles owner Norman Braman.  He purchased the Eagles in 1985 for $65 million dollars, he sold them in 1994 for $185 million.  He was described as nothing more than car dealer who treated the Eagles as if they were cars not players/team.  He was downright pathetic as an NFL owner.  But what was Braman’s worst offense…he let Reggie White walk.  That is absolutely indefensible.  Watch the clip here.

Dishonorable Mention:  The Rally Squirrel.  This one is still very fresh in our minds and I’m still convinced Tony LaRussa planted it.  And no one can convince me otherwise.

Villain #13 – Terrell Owens aka T.O.  Incredible athlete with an ego the size of the sun, who at one point, the city of Philly and its fans LOVED.  But things quickly soured with his lousy attitude and crazy antics.  The most notable…holding a press conference in the driveway of his multimillion dollar home, while shirtless doing crunches. Priceless!  His toxicity filled the locker room like a plague.  And sadly it was a waste of an immense talent, because T.O. could have been huge for the Eagles, but it wasn’t meant to be. Watch the clip here.

» Continue reading “Philly Villains – Part 2″

Villain - wikipedia.org

Philadelphia’s Comcast Sportsnet debuted a new show that premiered Sunday night at 10:30 pm EDT.  The show is called Philly Villains and the premise is a countdown of Philadelphia sports most loathed athletes, teams, coaches, fans…etc.

Various Philadelphia sports writers/sports newscasters/personalities gave their two cents on each of the named villains.  The show began with number 20 on the list and each week they will continue the countdown to number one.

Last night’s list began with:

Villain #20 – Former Philadelphia Eagles coach Rich Kotite.  Most of the panel were in agreement on this one and stated that Kotite makes Andy Reid look charismatic and really intelligent.  Pretty much the consensus was that Kotite was a buffoon.   Watch clip here.

Villain #19 – NY Giants of the 1980′s. Two words for you…Bill Parcells.  Watch clip here.

Dishonorable Mention – NY Mets fans.  I know this first hand.  Sitting at Citizens Bank Park when the Phillies are versing the Mets, can be pure torture.  Why you might ask? Because Mets fans invade CBP like a nasty virus. Watch clip here.

Villain #18 – Atlanta Braves Chipper “Larry” Jones.  Most people agree that if Chipper was a Phillie, he’d be adored but since he’s a Brave, he’s disliked.  And most of the writers/sports newscasters felt Chipper really isn’t a villain.  Because it’s difficult to hate on a guy who plays the game as hard as he does.  But the fact that he plays for the Braves puts him in the villain category, it what it is!  Watch the clip here.

Villain #17 – sports agent Scott Boras.  Ahhh yes…this man has been loathed since the infamous J.D. Drew debacle.  No further explanation needed.  Watch the clip here.

Dishonorable Mention – The astro turf at Veterans Stadium. That turf was the worst field to play on in the National Football League and just about everyone, including the Eagles themselves hated playing on that turf. Watch the clip here.

Villain #16 – Birdstone…the horse that beat Smarty Jones at the 2004 Belmont Stakes.  Smarty was going for the Triple Crown and ended up denied.  And why is a horse a villain?  Because at the time Smarty was Philadelphia sports ONLY hope for a championship, as sad as that was, it was a fact.  Until the 2008 World Series win for the Phillies, fans had put all their stock into a horse.  Yes a horse!!!  Watch the clip here.

Correction:  Next episode is TONIGHT (Monday – 1/30/12) at 10:30 pm EDT on Philadelphia Comcast Sportsnet and will countdown #15 – #12.

Image source:  Wikipedia.org

Heather Carnassale is the Senior Phillies Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at viewfromsection116@gmail.com, or follow her on twitter @heatherc531 and @viewfromsec116.

While listening to 94WIP (Philadelphia sports radio), the host Glen Macnow told an interesting story about an unnamed Philadelphia athlete.  He did however state that the athlete was “well-known” but stopped short of disclosing the actual identity.

The story went like this…

A daughter of a friend of Macnow’s was recently at a Center City (Philly) Dunkin Donuts, standing in line while the unnamed ‘athlete’ stood in front of her.

A friend sent her a text message, which caused her phone to produce a beep (alert).  The athlete in question, turned around and hurled a presumptuous accusation at the young lady.  He said something to the effect of, “Can’t go anywhere without someone trying to take a picture.”

The young lady didn’t at first realize the man was talking to her and to be clear, had no idea who the athlete was.  She began typing a reply text when her phone made another beep.  The athlete turned around a second time and again accused her of taking a photo of him and seemed dumbfounded that she had the nerve to attempt another one.   He then went on to bitch about having no privacy.

The young lady tried to defend herself by actually showing the athlete her texts to prove she wasn’t snapping a picture.  He didn’t seem to believe her.  According to Macnow, the young lady is not a sports fan and honestly had no clue on who he was.

And let me say again that Macnow never stated who the athlete was or which Philadelphia sports team the athlete plays for.  And just because I’m writing this on View doesn’t mean this athlete is a Phillie.

But whoever it is, he was either having a bad day or has a HUGE ego!

By the way, Macnow’s co-host Anthony Gargano referred to the athlete as a major “tool” and regardless of who the athlete is, I have to agree.

Any thoughts on who the mystery athlete is?

Listen to Macnow and Gargano weekdays from 1-6 on Sports Radio 94 WIP.

Wednesday night in Los Angeles, California the 2011 Espy awards were handed out.  Congrats to Roy Halladay for winning Best MLB Player and Best Sports Moment, for his postseason no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Division Series.

His postseason no-hitter was selected as the Best Sports Moment at the ESPY awards, beating out the incredible season by the Fennville high school basketball team during their postseason tournament run, and the Daytona 500 victory by Trevor Bayne. – Examiner.com

I’d also like to congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles for winning Best Game for their huge win at the Meadowlands last December.  For all Eagles news and happenings, check out:  Philly Sports Muse

Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz is gracing the cover of this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated.  The title is, “The Ace Reliever: The Phillies’ Rotation Is Making History, and Carlos Ruiz Has The Best Seat In The House.”  Its a terrific eight-page article including great photos of one of the best catchers and nicest guys in the game today.  I even learned something new about Chooch, he likes to impersonate his teammates and appears to be quite good at it. Two of his best, are Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.

Carlos imitates Hamels walking off the mound when the sky’s caving in, looking upward as if asking God how could this happen to a man as talented and well-meaning as he, closing his eyes and drawing a deep breath and blowing out his deep exasperation with the cosmos. – Sports Illustrated

Chooch also has a game ritual.  During the national anthem, he enters the bullpen bathroom, stands in the dark, then has a last minute of soul searching.  To find out more about Ruiz, pick up a copy of this week’s Sports Illustrated.

The Phillies start the second half the season still sitting atop the majors with a 57-34 record and lead the National League East by three and a half games.  Friday night they begin a 3-game series in New York against the Mets.

UPDATE 7/15/11:  Placido Polanco has been put on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation.  And closer Ryan Madson has been activated off the DL.   Read full story here:  Philly.com

Check out the game preview after the jump…

» Continue reading “Phillies: Halladay, Chooch & Mets Preview (Updated)”