TheLounge
07-09-2007, 02:43 PM
Wednesday marked the 231st birthday for our great country. People celebrate our annual independence day in a variety of ways —parades, BBQs and fireworks. It’s as American as apple pie and hot dogs.
Ah yes, hot dogs. Not only was yesterday a time to celebrate, it was also the 92nd annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, NY. I wouldn’t say I’m a big fan of this burgeoning “sport,” but I have to admit Wednesday’s show on ESPN definitely helped this weird endeavor on the road to legitimacy.
In the weeks leading up to the contest, there were reports that six-time defending champion Takeru Kobayashi might not defend his title because of “jaw-ritis.” Not only did he show up, he was right in the mix for a seventh title.
But he did not have enough to beat San Jose’s Joey Chestnut. He held a five-dog lead for most of the 12-minute race but with about two-and-half minutes to go, he and Kobayashi were neck-and-neck. Chestnut surged at the end, finishing with 66 hot dogs (and buns), breaking his own world record of 59 1/2 and bringing the championship back home to America. Kobayashi was second with 63.
While this column is mostly tongue-in-cheek, I couldn’t help but find myself fascinated with the competition, disgusting as it may be. The bottom line is that eating contests are races. As a sports fan, I’ll watch just about any race and it certainly helps when a race comes down the final frantic moments.
Ah, eating contests entering mainstream sports. Only in America.
***
The high school baseball season ended more than a month ago but post-season awards are still rolling in. StudentSports.com released its all-state teams Tuesday and while no local players were named to first team, several were named to other teams.
Burlingame pitcher Paul Fregosi was named to the all-state, medium-school team. Fregosi had a senior year to remember, finishing one win from tying the school record for wins. He finished with an 11-1 record, throwing seven complete games and posting a 1.76 ERA.
Serra outfielder Ryan Palermo and shortstop/pitcher Ryan Allgrove and were named to the under-classmen team. Palermo (.446) and Allgrove (.407) were one-two in batting for the Padres.
Menlo School outfielder Jack Mosbacher was named to the all-state, small-school team.
***
There was a bit of old-school flair at the District 52 11- and 12-year-old All Star tournament Tuesday at the Belmont Sports Complex. Every player for the Menlo-Atherton team went with their pant legs pulled up to their knees, which in and of itself is not that big a deal. A lot of players play with the high pant legs. What made the team a throwback was the fact they went with the stirrups as well.
Nathan Mollat can be reached by e-mail: nathan@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 117.
Ah yes, hot dogs. Not only was yesterday a time to celebrate, it was also the 92nd annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, NY. I wouldn’t say I’m a big fan of this burgeoning “sport,” but I have to admit Wednesday’s show on ESPN definitely helped this weird endeavor on the road to legitimacy.
In the weeks leading up to the contest, there were reports that six-time defending champion Takeru Kobayashi might not defend his title because of “jaw-ritis.” Not only did he show up, he was right in the mix for a seventh title.
But he did not have enough to beat San Jose’s Joey Chestnut. He held a five-dog lead for most of the 12-minute race but with about two-and-half minutes to go, he and Kobayashi were neck-and-neck. Chestnut surged at the end, finishing with 66 hot dogs (and buns), breaking his own world record of 59 1/2 and bringing the championship back home to America. Kobayashi was second with 63.
While this column is mostly tongue-in-cheek, I couldn’t help but find myself fascinated with the competition, disgusting as it may be. The bottom line is that eating contests are races. As a sports fan, I’ll watch just about any race and it certainly helps when a race comes down the final frantic moments.
Ah, eating contests entering mainstream sports. Only in America.
***
The high school baseball season ended more than a month ago but post-season awards are still rolling in. StudentSports.com released its all-state teams Tuesday and while no local players were named to first team, several were named to other teams.
Burlingame pitcher Paul Fregosi was named to the all-state, medium-school team. Fregosi had a senior year to remember, finishing one win from tying the school record for wins. He finished with an 11-1 record, throwing seven complete games and posting a 1.76 ERA.
Serra outfielder Ryan Palermo and shortstop/pitcher Ryan Allgrove and were named to the under-classmen team. Palermo (.446) and Allgrove (.407) were one-two in batting for the Padres.
Menlo School outfielder Jack Mosbacher was named to the all-state, small-school team.
***
There was a bit of old-school flair at the District 52 11- and 12-year-old All Star tournament Tuesday at the Belmont Sports Complex. Every player for the Menlo-Atherton team went with their pant legs pulled up to their knees, which in and of itself is not that big a deal. A lot of players play with the high pant legs. What made the team a throwback was the fact they went with the stirrups as well.
Nathan Mollat can be reached by e-mail: nathan@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 117.