White Sox & Orioles Play For Empty Stadium

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox went head to head at Camden Yards. It was a beautiful day for a game of baseball, the only problem was that there was no one there to watch it. The official attendance at the stadium that day was zero, the first time in baseball history.

Fans look on from a neighboring hotel balcony.

Fans were prohibited from entering the stadium on Wednesday as a safety precaution due to the recent riots happening in the city. The only seats that were filled were those in the press box and in the dugouts, with the exception of three scouts that were in the stands on an assignment. Some fans did stand outside of the gated entrance hoping to see some action, while others watched from a balcony of a neighboring hotel. However, most of the game was accompanied by silence.

Camera crews look on in the first inning.

Speaking of the game, it ended within two hours of the first pitch with the Orioles winning 8 - 2. The O’s first baseman Chris Davis hit a three-run home run within the first inning, unfortunately no one was there to catch the lucky ball. And to think how many people could have gone home with some souvenirs that day.

Source: http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25167981/sights-sounds-orioles-white-sox-play-in-empty-camden-yards

Five Year Suspension Flushes University's Swimming & Diving Program Down The Drain

On Tuesday, Western Kentucky University suspended its swimming and diving program for five years following a report of multiple Title IX violations. This decision followed an investigation into the program and its students after accusations of sexual harassment and assault, hazing and drug abuse arose from a former athlete.The Bowling Green Police Department and the Title IX Office, which deals with gender equality and prevention of sexual harassment on college campuses and in sports, led the investigation, resulting in a seventeen page report describing numerous violations in graphic detail.

Ten out of the seventeen pages cite graphic sexual misconduct, including an assault on a female student by a group of male swim athletes. Despite the heinous account, however, only one student faces a criminal charge of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

When asked to comment on the decision, WKU’s athletic director Todd Stewart said “This is a very difficult and unfortunate decision on many levels. While many in the program have represented WKU with distinction, the overall findings of a consistent pattern of disappointing conduct is troubling and not acceptable at WKU.”

Swimming coach Bruce Marchionda, assistant coach Brian Thomas, and diving coach Chelsea Ale will reportedly be terminated as of June 30. The university has offered any team member the opportunity to transfer to other colleges for to participate in their swimming and diving programs. Any of the athletes who continue to attend the school on a swim scholarship will continue to receive their scholarship based on academic performance.

Students, faculty, and the community are now left to ponder how they will revive their program at the end of the five year punishment.

Works Cited

http://www.cbssports.com/general/eye-on-sports/25148790/title-ix-violations-lead-to-wku-suspending-swimming-diving-programs

http://www.wbko.com/home/headlines/BREAKING-Graphic-Details-Released-In-WKU-Swim-Team-Probe--299749441.html

http://knowyourix.org/title-ix/title-ix-the-basics/

Reflection: Some things you just don't forget

In his article "Some things you just don't forget", Matthew Berry takes a brave and powerful stand against bullying. In response to the news of Richie Incognito harassing Jonathan Martin, Berry shares his own life experiences with being bullied and harassed. It takes an incredible amount of strength to come forward with personal experiences, even years after they happened. Berry provides insight into the "constant, debilitating fear" and loneliness he felt as a victim of harassment, as well as the obliviousness the bullies have to the impact of their actions saying "I bet those people probably don't remember they were tormentors. Most bullies don't". Berry provides understanding as to what Martin is experiencing and why Richie Incognito just doesn't get it. Through opening up about his own experiences, Matthew Berry opens up windows for others.

Mariners' Tribute to Fallen Teammate

During their game on Sunday, the Seattle Mariners paid their respects to a lost friend, Victor Sanchez. Sanchez, the team’s pitching prospect, died on Saturday March 28 at the age of 20 from severe head injuries. While swimming off the coast of Playa Medina in his native Venezuela, Sanchez was hit by a boat and received a double skull fracture from impact with the propellers and developed a brain hematoma.

During his time in the hospital, Sanchez was induced into a coma and put on a ventilator. On February 18, it was reported on the Mariners’ home page on MLB.com that the player was improving, the swelling in his head and neck was subsiding and he had moved his legs. However, his injuries were too severe and he passed away almost six weeks later.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik released a statement saying “The Seattle Mariners are saddened to learn of the passing of Victor Sanchez. Victor was a tremendous young man and a wonderful teammate. He was a very talented player who was close to fulfilling his promise as a major-leaguer. He will be missed by his teammates, and by the coaches and staff at the Mariners.” 

Sanchez was due to attend the Mariners minor league camp just days after his accident. His jersey was hung in the dugout during the Mariners game Sunday in remembrance.

Sources:

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25128088/look-mariners-hang-jersey-of-late-victor-sanchez-in-dugout

http://m.mariners.mlb.com/news/article/109349262/mariners-prospect-victor-sanchez-improves-after-being-injured-in-water-accident

http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-prospect-hit-by-boat-dies-at-age-20/