Kentucky’s born and bred rarely contribute to the sporting narrative. The most famous of Kentucky natives in the sporting world have long since retired or run on four legs and eat oats from a bag attached to their face. The most notable examples of human Kentuckians that reshaped the sporting world are Muhammad Ali, Pee Wee Reese, Wes Unseld, and in my opinion, Jay Buhner (he made it okay to wear tennis shoes in Right Field—what a hero). But these guys are legends –not contemporaries. In a “what have you done for me lately?” world, Kentucky is in search of its homegrown heroes. After all, most of the stars of the state’s beloved Wildcats hail from other states.

But if you look close enough, this year was affected by athletes that once called Kentucky home. Though there may be no heavyweight champions or future hall of famers on this list, these are the best of the commonwealth’s athletes –and they should be celebrated. Without these men, this year in sports (which was fantastic) would not have been the same. Here are the top 5 Kentucky-born contributors to this year in sports:

David Akers used to be as synonymous with an Eagles uniform as the color green. This year, they sent him packing, choosing to sign the components of their “dream team” instead. Akers became the NFC West’s special teams’ nightmare. In his first year with the San Francisco 49ers, Akers broke Jerry Rice’s single-season scoring record. Yes, the Jerry Rice. Akers’ steady foot has been an important component to Harbaugh’s 49ers team, helping San Francisco to make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Born in Lexington and a graduate of Tates Creek, Akers has represented his Kentucky heritage proudly this year, doing what wide receivers have failed to do for years –pass Jerry Rice in the record books.

If anyone on this list could prove me wrong and become a Hall-of-Famer, it’s Rajon Rondo. As mentioned in another article on Straitpinkie.com, Rondo has found himself a key factor in the Celtics’ short and long-term future success. This past season, he forced followers of the NBA to take notice –he proved he is more than a guard and ball-distributor. He’s a potential star. As the 2010-11 NBA season came to a close, Rondo was both extremely effective and popular. In the playoffs, he set the Celtics franchise record for assists in a playoff game (not exactly an easy franchise to shatter records for) and was clearly a sparkplug that ignited moments of success for the Celtics. At the end of the season, Rondo boasted the third best selling jersey, behind only Lebron James and Kobe Bryant –the two unquestioned superstars of the league. Who knows what the future holds for Rajon Rondo…but one thing seems clear –this Louisville-born basketballer has the chance to be great.

Yes, Dan Uggla hit .233 this year. And yes, a functioning Dyson vacuum cleaner probably could have played a better second-base. But Louisville’s Dan Uggla also provided baseball with one of the most exciting stories of the year. When baseball needed a narrative in order to take advantage of the lockouts of the NFL and NBA, Uggla provided one of the most enthralling. Against all odds, Uggla went from battling the Mendoza line (hitting under .200 for much of the year) to battling the demons of Joe DiMaggio. The entire country was asking, “Can it be broken?” Uggla didn’t make it near 56 games, but his 33-game hitting streak has only been matched or bettered by 23 players in over a century of Major League Baseball. Aside from speculation on where Pujols might land at the end of the season, the Phillies’ rotation, and the incredible final day of the season, Uggla’s hit streak was probably the most talked about story of a great baseball season. Many are speculating that baseball is on the rise again as a popular sport in America. Uggla may have helped with that. Even the hint of chasing a legend’s record is what makes baseball beautiful. Kentucky’s own Dan Uggla proved that, once again, to be true.

Baseball may also, unknowingly, owe much of this fantastic season’s end to another Kentucky-born player. Tyler Clippard is not exactly what you’d call a superstar. He’s a relief pitcher that wears nerdy glasses.  But he also played an integral role in the final moments of an exciting Baseball October. How, you ask? Obviously, the Nationals were nowhere near the World Series. However, Tyler Clippard was a 2011 All-Star, and more importantly, the winning pitcher of July’s interleague showdown. Clippard’s arm and “W” eventually became home-field advantage for the St. Louis Cardinals. Game Seven took place in Busch Stadium, among the ruckus and passionate fans of St. Louis, because of Tyler Clippard’s win. It may seem silly, but a blowup by Clippard in the All-Star Game may have changed everything. Lexington can smile proudly, knowing its native son represented them well –and rocks those glasses.

Clearly, Kentucky is best represented in baseball. Bowling Green’s Corey Hart was also a huge part of one of the best stories of Major League Baseball’s 2011 season. And no, this is not the same Corey Hart that “wears his sunglasses at night”…sadly. Much to the chagrin of many Kentuckians (who tend to either be Reds or Cardinals fans), Hart helped the Milwaukee Brewers win their first NL Central Division Title, and their first division title, period, since 1982. Though he doesn’t get as much publicity (or donuts) as Prince Fielder, Hart is still a key component of a team that has risen from Baseball’s graveyard (where teams like the Royals and Astros still lie buried) into relevancy. This season, his 26 HR and move to the leadoff spot helped the lineup improve late in the season and support a strong pitching rotation. Though Bowling Green has Johnny Depp, Corey Hart deserves a green highway sign and recognition for being a cog in the machine that brought Milwaukee fame for something other than beer and Robin Yount.

Kentucky may not boast the best athletes of the generation, but for a state with a small population and few metropolitan areas, this list isn’t unimpressive. This year in sports could not have been without the men on this list. Perhaps, as Kentuckians, our New Year’s resolution should be to take notice. Who knows what 2012 could have in store? This time next year, we may be talking about the resurgence of Kenny Perry in the PGA, or the return of Brandon Webb to the pitching mound, or dare I say it – A Tim Couch comeback? Whatever occurs in the next year, one thing is certain –Kentucky will have its own part in the narrative…even if it’s a small one.

Ghost Riding Gone White

Ghost Riding with Granny

Ghost Ride Military Style

Ghost Ride Yump Edition

Check out the run about the 5:50 mark as he delivers a teBlow against the defender at the goal line!

Upset Potential: Auburn vs. Clemson
Prediction: Auburn 32 – Clemson 34
Actual: Auburn 24 – Clemson 38

Don’t Bother: Ohio St. vs. Miami
Prediction: Ohio St. 28 – Miami 10
Actual: Ohio St. 6 – Miami 24

Just like Meatloaf said, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. To be honest I got all three right, because the “Don’t Bother” was still a Don’t Bother, just with a different outcome.

Let’s take a look at this week’s college football schedule and decide which game On Paper looks great, which poses the best Upset Potential, and which game you should avoid.

On Paper

#7 Oklahoma St. vs #8 Texas A&M

This looks to be a high scoring game between two very talented teams. Ok State won last years meeting in an exciting 38-35 thriller. The Cowboys are averaging 52 pts a game, and look to continue the huge output against a defense that hasn’t faced an offense yet (SMU & Idaho). The Aggies offense line may have the most staggering stat entering the game; they have not allowed a sack. With last year’s game hinging on 5 turnovers by A&M, maybe the O-Line can give the QB time to make the right decisions and cut down the mistakes. A&M shouldn’t be looking ahead but with the Razorbacks in the wings, they have to have that in the back of their mind. The Cowboys defense has given up 33 points to Tulsa and 34 to Louisiana Lafayette, un-respectively. Look for the Aggies to exit the Big 12 in style with a flashy and exciting 47-39 victory
Honorable Mention: LSU vs. W.Va

Upset Potential
#11 Florida St vs. #21 Clemson

Can Death Valley and Dabo Swinney erupt again?

This prognosticator believes so. FSU is reeling after its battle against Oklahoma. Their starting QB, EJ Manual, is more than likely out and their pride is little broken. Clemson comes in on a high and there is no reason for a letdown. Letdown’s happen when a team pulls out a great win and is expected to win their next game. Clemson has the confidence (3 games in row over FSU at home) and has the momentum after their big victory over Auburn. I expect this game to be a tight game before the Tiger fans and Tajh Boyd finally put this game out of reach early in the 4th quarter. Look for the Tigers to leave this game 4-0 and with a BCS bowl in their eyes after their 31-21 victory over the Noles.
Honorable Mention: USC vs. Arizona St.

Don’t Bother

North Carolina vs. #25 Georgia Tech

The Tarheels had a rough off-season from recruiting issues to traffic violations but have really had a great 3-0 start. Yet, they have not faced an offense as fast as Georgia Tech. The Tech running game is off the charts. Last game saw 5 runners over 60 yards! Yet, their QB has 7 td tosses to no interceptions, so the passing game isn’t too shabby. The good story for the Tarheels is about to end with a thrashing in Atlanta. Look for the Yellow Jackets to sting the Heels 41-19
DisHonorable Mention: Just about every other ranked team game

Danny Trevathan the dynamic Kentucky Wildcat linebacker claimed defensive player of the week after his performance against the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday.  Trevathan was nothing short of magnificent in the Battle for the Governor’s Cup.  He recorded 11 tackles, 9 of which were solo.  He also had 3.5 of those tackles go for losses.

Trevathan helped put Wildcat fans minds at ease after losing Micah Johnson to the NFL.  The linebacker position has always been pretty good for the ‘Cats and Trevathan could be the next big name.  He and the Wildcat defense held the Cardinals to just 102 total yards of offense in the first half.  The ‘Cats defense was very productive in the first half but in the second half they slipped a little bit.  There are still come kinks to get rid of but that is expected in week 1. Overall the ‘Cats defense looked pretty good against Louisville.

The Cats secured another verbal commitment yesterday in Nile Daniel (3-Star / WR) from Georgia.  Daniel makes the 16th pledge for the 2011 recruiting class for UK.  The staff recently received news Justin Bean, who signed with the Cats in 2009, will do so again in 2011.  This time last year, the Cats had two verbal commitments. 

The UK staff recently stated they were pulling back some offers as they wanted to have room for key players.  One recruit told me he was informed me the staff they wanted to sign 18-20 recruits.  With the most recent commitment, the Cats are at No 16 and running out of room quickly.  We know the staff wants to add two more offensive linemen, at least one defensive lineman, two linebackers and at least one safety.  If the staff could flip the commitments of DaMarcus Smith, Jerrell Moore, Jamon Brown, they would take them as well.  Below are the key names to remember on both sides of the ball heading into the season.

Offense

Collins Moore (WR), Shamier Jeffery (ATH), Ricky Lunford (RB), Brandon Ford (RB), LaMont McMurry (ATH), Mitchell Henry (TE), Mark Wathen (TE), Nick Martin (OL), Zach West (OL), Cody Robinson (OL), Ray Ball (OL) and Zack Templin (OL). 

Defense

Terrence Coleman (DE/LB), David Washington (DT), Isiah Norton (DT), Tony Gillespie (DT), Desmond Floyd (DE), Jesse Hayes (DE), Preston Smith (DE), Antonio Poole (LB), Steven Daniels (LB), Lamar Dawson (LB), Desmond Wills (LB), Dwight Jackson (LB), Troy Gray (LB), Chris Tavarez (S), Damian Swann (S) and Ashely Lowery (S).

If the staff is able to add two more offensive linemen and three more players from above, the 2011 class will be very solid.  The Governor’s cup is huge and I can’t emphasize the impact it has on recruiting for both programs.  It’s possible, either team could flip commitments based on the outcome of the game.  It’s football time in the Bluegrass!  Check out my site, Bleed Blue Kentucky, for more information on the UK football program.

Rumors have been floating around all offseason about Dodson’s off-the-court issues, his academic eligibility and originally there was even talk about him entering the NBA draft.

But, Robic was quick to put all of those rumors to rest and it appears that he will join incoming freshman Doron Lamb as Kentucky’s top threat beyond the arc.

During his sophomore campaign, his first with Kentucky, he played in 35 games averaging 14.5 minutes-per-game. He averaged 6.0 points-per-game and knocked down a team-high 50 three-pointers, while shooting just under 35-percent from deep.

Dating back to the 1st and 2nd century (between 30-150 BC) of the Roman Era; man has flaunted his power and supremacy via: Professional Fighting (gladiators); Board Games such as Tali & Tropa, which meant “knucklebones”, today referred to as Dominoes in which a man could display his mental dominance. As far as men searching for women and entertainment…look no further than the infamous Roman Bath Houses!

The Roman Bath Houses were centrally located in the middle of a metropolois which provided easy access to women and entertainment. Men would visit these Roman Bath Houses and, as you would expect, get showered by a woman; fed food and drinks and leave real happy.
As you have read, us men are surely seekers of a good time but, sometimes look in all the wrong places to find a good time.
Well, look no further! Straitpinkie.com is a “Webpage Paradise” for all men…and some women! What do I mean by “a webpage paradise for men”? Straitpinkie.com has a team of writers who make sure our primary market (professional business men – 21-35 years old) gets the information they want…and need! We offer an array of regional sporting stats and information regarding U of K, U of L.

We also have a section dedicated to beautiful women of our region; this section is called: the “YUMP!” section. And now we offer a new section that will help you navigate your night-life with quickness and ease! Every week we will update you on: the best places to eat, the best places to find women and the best places to party!
Though we can’t promise you a Roman Bath House! We do promise you a new entertainment/ night-life section that will serve as your all access pass to the hottest entertainment spots in Louisville and throughout the Bluegrass State!

From Me to the Party People,

Reggie P.
Entertainment Writer,
Straitpinkie.com

While there’s no denying that the Reds have picked it up over the last few weeks, they have also been blessed with a fairly soft schedule.  A trip to Houston two weeks ago cured the Reds’ ails, as they reeled off a three-game sweep against the league’s worst team.

Since then, Cincinnati has won series against the Mets, who are hovering around .500, and the Cubs, who have struggled coming out of the gate in 2010. Over the past three days, Cincinnati used some brilliant starting pitching to earn another three-game sweep, this time in Pittsburgh over the Pirates. The team got back-to-back shutouts from Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey to close out a series in which they outscored the Bucs by 15.

Johnny Cueto felt like dancing after his one-hitter on Tuesday.

After a day off on Thursday, the Redbirds will come to the Queens City on Friday to kick off what has now become a crucial three-game series at Great American Ball Park. Thankfully, the Reds will not have to face Chris Carpenter in any of the three match-ups, as St Looey will throw Jaime Garcia, Adam Wainright, and Brad Penny. Cincinnati will counter with Aaron Harang on Friday, followed by Mike Leake, then Bronson Arroyo in a Sunday day game.