Boston Sports Then and Now

The Patriots announced today that former linebacker Ted Bruschi will be the next member inducted into the team’s Hall Of Fame.  Bruschi edged out former head coach Chuck Fairbanks and offensive tackle Leon Gray. It was just a matter of time before Bruschi, who embodied “The Patriots Way, would receive this honor.

“Mr. Kraft called me on the phone last night and let me know, gave me the news,” Bruschi said. “He told me he was very proud of me to be inducted in the Patriots Hall of Fame, and I told him how much it meant to me.”

Bruschi was drafted in 1996 in the third round out of Arizona University. He appeared in five Super Bowls with the Patriots winning three. However, championships did not define the man or the player. He was measured by his dedication, leadership and courage. The latter being tested after he suffered a stroke in 2005.

Most players would have called it quits after such a health scare, but not Mr. Full Tilt, Full Time.  The word quit is not part of Bruschi’s vocabulary. He fought and clawed his way back and returned to play three more seasons for the only NFL team he knew.

And gave Patriots fans a lifetime of memories…..Congratulations Tedy.

Being born in 1973, I am too young to remember Derek Sanderson’s playing days with the Bruins. However, every fan of the Black & Gold knows he fed Bobby Orr on his iconic and Stanley Cup clinching goal in 1970. The team’s first championship in 29 years.

My first memories of Derek Sanderson was in the broadcast booth with fan favorite Fred Cusick. Their voices are ingrained in my mind while I watched the Bruins on WSBK Channel 38. They are forever part of my hockey loving fabric.

So I jumped at the chance to read Derek Sanderson: Crossing the Line.

If you want a two word review, here it is: roller coaster.

This book will literally blow your mind following Derek Sanderson through his ascend in becoming one of the most coveted hockey prospects in the 1960’s.  Some labeled him as being as good or even better than Bobby Orr.

Read about “The Turk” and his playing days in Boston. Sanderson was an instrumental part of two Stanley Cup winning teams with his grittiness and tough defensive play.

He was the first million dollar athlete. He became the king of Boston nightlife opening hot spots such as Daisy Buchanan’s (something I never knew). Sanderson had every temptation thrown in his path to potential greatness such as money, women, drugs and alcohol.

Sanderson went from media darling to sleeping on park benches in New York City penniless. His hockey career fizzled and his life spun out of control.  The former Bruins superstar almost lost his life due to his demons.

However, the best part of this book is how Sanderson rose like a Phoenix from the ashes of his life of decadence. He found his way and dedicated himself to helping others. He educated young people not to make the same mistakes he had.

Derek Sanderson is a true inspiration to any one that struggles from within. No matter how dark your life may get, you still can steer yourself to the light with the “three F’s” family, friends and faith.

This is a MUST read for any hockey or Bruins fan or anyone that enjoys a story about redemption.

Pick up Derek Sanderson: Crossing the Line today!

(PHOTO: IMGUR)

Even hockey player have to eat.

These lucky fans were in the right place at the right time  to snap some pictures with some burrito lovin’ Bruins: Johnny Boychuk, Brad Marchand & Nathan Horton.

Everyone is all smiles after the Bruins took a 2-0 lead over the New York Rangers…sort of.

Looks like the hot sauce at Qdoba is not agreeing with the Nose Face Killah and Boom Boom Boychuk or they just wear their game faces 24/7.

Pot of Baked Beans Goes To Reddit!

(PHOTO: IMGUR)

NOTHING beats Bruins playoff hockey and we will do anything to catch the game.

Listen to the game in your ear bud as you go to the mall with your wife.  ”Yeah, Yeah hun that food processor is awesome! Woo Soupy Just Scored!”

Sneak off from your third cousin’s lame wedding to catch a few shifts in the hotel bar.

Or you can set up your laptop, hot spot, start a campfire and grab your favorite brewsky in the wilderness and you are in B’s-niz!

Nature can wait…this is the friggin’ playoffs!

Pot of Baked Beans To Reddit!

(PHOTO: Twitter)

Some Bruins fans have complained that Jaromir Jagr has not produced since his arrival in Boston. People are expecting the Jagr from his heyday in Pittsburgh from ’93 rather than the Jagr on the back nine of his career in ’13.

However, no one can question the Jagr’s love, respect and dedication for the ladies to the game.

Jaromir Jagr is skating on the TD Garden ice, with a puck & no nets, at 8 pm after a 3 pm playoff win, jumpsuit & winter hat. #Bruins

— Danny Picard (@DannyPicard) May 19, 2013

Jagr was robbed by King Henrik today and made plays, so pump the brakes on the Jagr disdain and enjoy watching this future Hall of Famer.

All praise the Jagr!

Pot Of Baked Beans To @jamisoncoyle!

(PHOTO: Puck Daddy)

The hockey gods can be cruel (just ask Leafs fans) but hockey fans can be even crueler (just ask this poor Leafs fan).  This poor bastard was so confident that his Leafs were going to pull out the series that he bet his buddy, a long time Bruins fan.

The stakes according to Puck Daddy:

We bet on the series and the punishment was the loser had to wear a sandwich board and stand on the boulevard of our busiest street for half an hour at noon. The winner got to choose what went on the sign.

I bet Elisha Cuthbert was laying on the horn when she saw the back of the sandwich board. She is probably the only one that thinks PHA-GOOF is sexy or even a good hockey player at this point.

Kudos to Josh Lewis for being a good sport and accepting his beatings….