Dykstra: Calling In Some AT&T Options

Lest you think the 71-year old Koufax was merely a ceremonial pick, rumor has it that his fastball was clocked at 88 MPH a few years ago. Furthermore, manager Shamsky stated, "It's been 41 years between starts for him. If he's rested and ready to take the mound again, we want him on our team."

Undeniably, Koufax's eye-popping career numbers -- a won-loss record of 165-87, 2,396 strikeouts, 2.76 ERA and four no-hitters, one of which was a perfect game -- speak for themselves. Moreover, as far as going out on top, in his last four years, Koufax had a 97-27 won-loss record, 1,228 Ks and an average ERA of 1.85. Despite these phenomenal numbers, Koufax is as perhaps well-known for a day that he did not pitch: game one of the 1965 World Series against the Twins.

Rather than pitch, Koufax insisted on observing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in the Jewish religion. Certainly, that statement, along with his Hall of Fame career, will solidify Koufax's presence in the Israel Baseball League, regardless of whether he ever pitches again.

Shifting to the players of today, Sammy Sosa hit two homers in Jacobs Field in Cleveland on April 26, thereby establishing the record of 44 for home runs in more parks than anyone in history, surpassing Ken Griffey Jr. and Fred McGriff, who have hit homers in 43 parks. Sammy is also rapidly approaching 600 homers for his career. Meanwhile, there is controversy in Beantown questioning the authenticity of the blood on the Boston sock worn by Curt Schilling in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series in 2004.

Apparently, Gary Thorne, an announcer for the Orioles, thought he overheard Doug Mirabelli, a catcher for the Red Sox, state that the blood was actually red paint, orchestrated as part of a publicity stunt. Mirabelli has vehemently denied any such statement, and Thorne has seemingly acknowledged his misinterpretation of what he thought he heard. David Caruso and Gary Sinise, with their CSI crews in tow, are available, in the event that the authenticity of the blood is truly in question.

Another record was set this weekend in Radio City Music Hall in New York. The marathon that is the NFL draft established a record for the longest first round in history, 6 hours and 8 minutes. As many expected, JaMarcus Russell, a 6-foot 5-½-inch, 256-pound quarterback from LSU, was picked first by the Oakland Raiders.

The story of the first day, however, was Brady Quinn, a quarterback from the University of Football, I mean Notre Dame, slipping to the 22nd pick in the draft. Most expected Quinn to be picked in the top three or at worst at No. 9 by the Miami Dolphins.

To his tremendous credit, the Notre Dame signal caller, forever under the microscope, handled himself with poise and humility throughout what has to have been a torturous day for him. As ESPN chronicled his every move and reaction, Quinn answered question after question honestly and articulately. When he was finally chosen by the Cleveland Browns, who bypassed him at No. 3, only to trade up to get him at number 22, Quinn seemingly fulfilled a childhood dream as ESPN flashed a picture of him bedecked in a Browns uniform at the age of four.

As he finally strode out onto the stage, Brady Quinn received a standing ovation from a sympathetic crowd, which was obviously cognizant of his plight. If Brady's on-field performance approaches his performance on Saturday, this young man is truly a star in the making.

The Players Club recognizes the peaks and valleys that characterize the careers of athletes. By providing guaranteed recurring cash flow through our strategic partner, The Players Club endeavors to provide a smooth transition to the future for our players and their families.

Always remember: Life is a journey; enjoy the ride!