Notre Dame's Connection to the Triple Crown

The news the past 36 hours centered on "I'll Have Another" and his retirement from the sport, quelling his quest to win horse racing's TRIPLE CROWN at Belmont Park yesterday afternoon.

The University of Notre Dame has a connection to the TRIPLE CROWN as well -- the triple crown in baseball that is.

Forty-five years ago, Carl Yastrezmski (who before signing with the Boston Red Sox was a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame) won the triple crown in baseball!  Yaz led the American League in 1967 in home runs (44), runs batted in (121) and batting average (.326) -- the last time it's been done MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL!

FACT:  There have been FIFTEEN TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS in the 143 years of Major League Baseball -- and there have been ELEVEN TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS in the 137 years of horse racing in America. (Cover on right of Affirmed winning the last Triple Crown in horse racing in 1978)

LINK:  YAZ TRIBUTE VIDEO


LINK:  AFFIRMED TRIBUTE VIDEO

Fake Classes for North Carolina Athletes!

It's going to be interesting to see how the NCAA responds to the latest news out of North Carolina...

It's now being reported by The News Observer that academic advisors assigned to the  University of North Carolina's athletic department are under criminal investigation for enrolling athletes into classes that did not exist.   

The four-year investigation has led so far to the resignation of the Tar Heels football coach (Butch Davis) and retirement of athletic director Dick Baddour.

"Double Domer" Bubba Cunningham '84 and '88 (pictured above), who accepted the Athletic Director's job at North Carolina this past October, has walked into a mess...

Here's a link to the story:

LINK;  TAR HEEL TROUBLE

Update: Day 18 of Dean Crawford's Bike Ride!

Notre Dame's dean of the College of Science -- Greg Crawford is pedaling through the state of Nebraska today on his bike ride from Boston, MA to Pebble Beach, CA.  The purpose of Greg's journey is to raise awareness for Niemann-Pick Type C disease.

As you'll see in his blog entries from the past couple of days he's run into some bike trouble.

LINK:  DAY 18 OF THE ROAD TO DISCOVERY

Must Watch: "Mike & Mike" -- Notre Dame Style

Notre Dame fans will enjoy this video clip of ESPN's Mike Golic and his son Mike Golic, Jr. -- talking Notre Dame Youth Sports Camps.


I can see Mike Jr. with a microphone in his hands after his playing days are over.


LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S "MIKE & MIKE"

Notre Dame Football Back In South Bend!

As you'll see in this report from Fighting Irish Digital Media, the Notre Dame football team is back on campus "going to class" and serving the South Bend community.  Enjoy!

LINK:  BACK AT SCHOOL

Mike Lee Remains Undefeated as Pro Boxer!

University of Notre Dame alum Mike Lee '09, was back in the ring last night at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas -- winning a six-round unanimous decision over Eliseo Durazo.  Lee, the three-time Notre Dame Bengal Bouts Champion -- is now 9 - 0 a a professional!

Congratulations Mike!

LINK:  NEWS STORY

LINK:  WEIGH-IN

Coach Kelly Recovering From Back Surgery

University of Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly is recovering from back surgery yesterday to repair a herniated disc.  He's expected to leave the Philadelphia area hospital this weekend.

Good Luck Coach Kelly!

LINK:  COACH KELLY'S BACK SURGERY

OT MUST SEE: "Uncle Drew" Puts On a Show!

The folks at Pepsi Max just produced a video where NBA rookie sensation Kyrie Irving is made up to look like an 80 year-old man...  And, he shows up to play at a neighborhood pick-up game in New Jersey.  Special thank to ND GO IRISH BLOG regular contributor Ken Devine for alerting me to this story!

This you have to see!!!!

LINK:  UNCLE DREW

The IRISH Heading Back to Yankee Stadium?

United States Military Academy Athletic Director Boo Corrigan '90, let the word out yesterday that Army and Notre Dame are in talks about scheduling a number of games against each other...

Corrigan, a 1990 graduate of the University of Notre Dame is a brother of current Notre Dame Lacrosse coach Kevin Corrigan and son of Gene Corrigan -- a former Athletic Director at ND.

There's plenty of buzz on the web, in the last 18 hours or so, that a game in Yankee Stadium in 2013 could be announced soon.  Stay tuned!

Here's a link to what it was like the last time these two teams hooked up in the "HOUSE THAT RUTH DIDN'T BUILD" during the 2010 season.


LINK:  NOTRE DAME AT YANKEE STADIUM

LINK:  ND AND ARMY TALKING

Two Domers Qualify for Women's US OPEN

 

Becca Huffer '12, who was just coming off of her pro debut in Denver -- won the U.S. Open qualifier at the Broadmoor with scores of 70 & 75.  And, incoming Notre Dame freshman Lindsey Weaver won the qualifier at Terravita Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ with rounds of 71 & 69 (four-under par).  (that's Becca in the photo in the ND green!)

Congratulations ladies!

LINK:  HUFFER WINS US OPEN QUALIFIER

Future Domer: Only the Second 59 in History!

Her name is Lindsey Weaver and she just might be the NEXT BIG THING to hit women's golf -- and she'll be calling Notre Dame home this fall.

Lindsey shot a 59 earlier this year in a tournament -- the second 59 ever shot by a woman in the history of the game of golf!  Think about that!!!  She joins LPGA all-time great Annika Sorenstam in that elite club!

Lindsey is currently the 19th ranked junior golfer in the world!

LINK:  LINDSEY WEAVER SHOOTS A 59

LINK:  SECOND WOMAN IN THE HISTORY OF GOLF! 

LINK:  GOLFWEEK JUNIOR WORLD RANKINGS

Great Story: Daddy / Daughter ND Weekend!

I received a story this past week from a Notre Dame fan who thought I would enjoy the "reflections" of one Sharon Tracy -- who wrote about the ND / USC football weekend she spent this past October with her Dad, Jay Dillon '66.  (photo above of Dad and daughter)

I liked the story so much, I sent a note off to Jay seeking permission to share this story with the entire Notre Dame family.  Jay was kind enough to say "YES."

As you'll learn when reading this story, Sharon did not attend her Dad's alma mater.  She and her two sisters "the Dillon girls" each attended Miami of Ohio.  And, as Sharon readily admits, she was not a Notre Dame fan going into this weekend with her Dad.

Well that changed, as you'll see in this wonderful document that captures a great relationship between a Dad and his daughter and Jay's sharing the "gift" of Notre Dame with one of his girls...

Thanks again to Sharon and Jay for allowing me to share this with all of you.

Enjoy!

LINK:  REFLECTIONS FROM A NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL WEEKEND

Must See Video: Steve Beurlein Talks ND!

One of Notre Dame's all-time great QB's Steve Beurlein is on campus this week working with the 41 "campers" participating in the Notre Dame Football Fantasy Camp.  During one of the introduction sessions, Beurlein got up and spoke to the group.  You're going to love his Lou Holtz story and impersonation -- A CLASSIC!

Enjoy!


LINK:  STEVE BEURLEIN

A Domer With Loftier Political Ambitions?

Notre Dame alum, Bob McDonnell '76, the Governor of Virginia -- also doubles as head of the Republican Governnor's Association.

This morning, the news media is putting the spotlight on Governor Scott Walker (Wisconsin) and McDonnell -- in light of Walker's recall election win last night.

Is McDonnell thinking Washington D.C. is his next stop?

Here's a few stories hitting the street late last night and early this morning:

LINK:  WASHINGTON EXAMINER

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  NATIONAL JOURNAL

Reds Draft Notre Dame Catcher in 6th Round!

Looks like Notre Dame junior catcher, Joe Hudson (Tampa, FL) will sign a professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds in the next day or so -- bypassing his senior season for a $178,300 bonus check.

Hudson, was drafted in the 6th Round -- the 202nd overall pick in yesterday's 2012 MLB Draft.

Congratulations Joe!

LINK:  HUDSON TO SIGN WITH REDS

Former Nicaragua Contra Leader & ND Student

Adolfo Calero, the former Nicaragua Contra leader died Sunday at the age of 80 from pneumonia.  Adolfo also led Coca-Cola's bottling operation in Nicaragua during his career.

Calero is best known for his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal in the 80's with Oliver North.

Calero attended the University of Notre Dame in the 50's.

Here's a link to the New York Times story:


LINK:  ADOLFO CALERO PASSES

Notre Dame Asked to "Correct" Wikipedia

I'll admit I turn to Wikipedia more often that I should for critical information...

Well, the University of Notre Dame was asked to join a few other university's in "cleaning up" the information on WIKIPEDIA.  Sounds like an interesting project to me!

Here's the story:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME'S ROLE WITH WIKIPEDIA

Notre Dame Lacrosse 2012 Highlight Video

The gang at Fighting Irish Digital Media produced a highlight video of the 2012 season that Notre Dame fans will want to watch.  You'll see former NBA head basketball coach Jeff Van Gundy talking to the team before the NCAA Championships.  Click on the link below:

LINK:  2012 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

OT: Minor League Manager's Classic Tirade

This is the greatest sports tirade in history.

The minor league manager's name is Phil Wellman and five years ago -- Phil kind of lost it with an argument he had with the home plate umpire...

The topper for me was when he "Army crawled" to the mound and threw the resin bag as a hand grenade towards the umpire (photo above).

This is a must see!

LINK:  A CLASSIC

LINK:  ESPN STORY

Mike Brey's Most Talented Recruiting Class...

Folks, it's going to be fun this next season at Purcell Pavillion.  Mike Brey's returning all five starters from his (22 - 12) NCAA Tournament team, he's adding a big man transfer from Michigan State in Garrick Sherman and he's bringing in three talented "long" freshmen:

LINK:  ZACH AUGUSTE 6'-9"

LINK:  CAMERON BIEDSCHEID 6'-7"

LINK:  AUSTIN BURGETT 6'-8"

LINK:  COACH BREY ON HIS RECRUITING CLASS

Becca Huffer Finishes Second in Pro Debut!

Becca Huffer, playing in her first golf tournament as a professional -- since her graduation last month from the University of Notre Dame -- was tied for the lead of the Colorado Women's Open on the 17th tee...

Unfortunately, a three-putt bogey from 45 feet on 17, and a par on 18, left her two strokes behind the winner.  Still -- it's a great start to a career Notre Dame fans are going to want to follow.

Huffer heads to the Broadmoor tomorrow to attempt to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open Championship -- we'll let you know how she did.

LINK:  HUFFER'S RUNNER-UP FINISH

Harrison Smith Signs Contract With Vikings!

Former Notre Dame football captain Harrison Smith, is the newest member of the MILLIONAIRES CLUB -- signing a four-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings Friday for an expected $7.1 million -- with approximately $6 million guaranteed.  Congratulations!

LINK:  BIG MONEY FOR HARRISON

Kentucky Wildcats to Play Brey's Fightin' Irish!

It was announced today that the defending National Champion Kentucky Wildcats will be coming to Purcell Pavillion on November 29th to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.   It's going to be fun!

LINK:  BIG NOVEMBER HOOPS GAME IN SOUTH BEND!

LINK:  COACH BREY TALKS KENTUCKY GAME

Orlando Woolridge Dead at the Age of 52

Sad, sad news...

Former Notre Dame All-American, Orlando Woolridge -- the 6th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 1981 NBA Draft -- died last night at his parent's home in Louisiana from a chronic heart condition.

Orlando was one of the greatest BIG SKILL ATHLETES to ever wear a Notre Dame uniform -- with one of the greatest smiles ever in South Bend.  He was always fun to watch play...

LINK:  MIKE BREY ON ORLANDO

LINK:  ORLANDO WOOLRIDGE:  1959 - 2012

ND Alum in Second Place at Colorado Open!

Becca Huffer '12, who just graduated two weeks ago from the University of Notre Dame, birdied five of her first six holes in the second round of yesterday's Colorado Women's Open to move into second place!

Becca is making her PRO DEBUT this week!!!  As you'll see in the second link below -- Huffer will attempt to qualify for the LPGA Tour later this year.  They could use a DOMER on the LPGA TOUR!


LINK:  COLORADO WOMEN'S OPEN

LINK:  HUFFER MAKES PRO DEBUT

Vote for Notre Dame's "Cover Girl" Today!

Notre Dame Womens' Soccer player, Lindsay Brown is one of five young women who are involved in a contest to be on the October cover of Seventeen Magazine.  Brown, who has just finished up her junior year at Notre Dame, has quite a story -- which you'll see if you click on the links below.  (Photo above of Lindsay in Nepal last summer).

Let's get Lindsay her cover shot!

LINK:  VOTE HERE FOR LINDSAY

LINK:  LINDSAY BROWN -- WHAT WOULD YOU FIGHT FOR!

Domer Monty Williams Gets NBA's Top Pick!

Big night for the New Orleans Hornets and their head coach Monty Williams (photo above) -- as they won the NBA Draft Lottery and the rights to the first pick in the upcoming 2012 Draft.  Williams, a former Notre Dame hoops star, is expected to be adding Kentucky's freshman sensation Anthony Davis to his roster -- not a bad thing!

Here's a link to the Lottery selection and an interview of Coach Williams:

LINK:  HORNETS GET TOP PICK

Classy Move by Notre Dame Parent Martin Short

Comedian / Actor Martin Short -- who just happens to be the proud parent of two Notre Dame students; Oliver Patrick and Henry '12 -- was a guest this morning on NBC's Today Show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kolb promoting his new movie Madagascar 3:  Europe's Most Wanted. 

Things were going fine until Kathie-Lee asked Martin why his long-time marriage to Nancy Dolman was so successful -- and, as you'll see, she didn't ask just one question about their relationship.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Gifford was unaware that Nancy died August 21, 2010 from cancer.

As you'll see -- Martin Short handled this in a very classy fashion.

LINK:  GIFFORD PUTS FOOT IN MOUTH -- BIG TIME

Mike Lee's Back in the Ring June 8 on ESPN!

University of Notre Dame alum Mike Lee '09, will be putting his undefeated professional boxing record on the line in a fight in Las Vegas, NV that will be televised on ESPN2 at 10 PM ET on Friday, June 8.  If you can't watch the fight in person (Hard Rock Casino Hotel) -- watch it on TV!

Good Luck Mike!

Working the Plan to a National Championship!

Notre Dame fans will enjoy watching these four Irish student-athletes re-live their 2012 Distance Medley Relay National Championship -- this is good stuff!  (Photo above of Jeremy Rae crossing the finish line!)

LINK:  THE PLAN TO WIN

Samardzija Wins "Bobblehead" Game Today!

You know you've hit the "big time" when your team runs a "bobblehead" promotion like the Chicago Cubs did today for former Notre Dame football All-American Jeff Samardzija (see photo).

Samardzija pitched seven strong innings before turning the ball over to reliever Jeff Camp in the 8th.  Jeff also knocked in a run with a base hit -- as he earned his fifth win of the season.  His ERA now stands at a sterling 3.09!

LINK:  SAMARDZIJA WINS AGAIN!

Toughest Schedule in the Nation -- Notre Dame

CBS college football analyst Bruce Feldman picks Notre Dame's 2012 football schedule as the toughest in the country.  No surprise here.

The IRISH have five potential top 15 programs on their schedule this season; Michigan State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Stanford and that school in "central Los Angeles."

Here's the link:

LINK:  TOUGHEST FOOTBALL SCHEDULE IN AMERICA

The Stanley Cup & the University of Notre Dame

It's the greatest trophy in all of professional sport -- the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup.  Since 1893, only five former Notre Dame students have had their names etched on the Cup:

• 1976, 1977 and 1978:  Bill Nyrop, Montreal Canadiens
• 1984 and 1985:  Don Jackson, Edmonton Oilers
• 2008:  Brett Lebda, Detroit Red Wings
• 2009:  Mark Eaton, Pittsburgh Penguins
• 2010:  Stan Bowman, Chicago Blackhawks

The 2012 Stanley Cup begins tomorrow night as the Los Angeles Kings take on the New Jersey Devils.

God, Country, Notre Dame: Memorial Day 2012

On a day in which we reflect on the great sacrifice millions have made for our FREEDOM -- I share with you this video entitled; GOD, COUNTRY, NOTRE DAME.

Happy Memorial Day!

LINK:  ROCKY BLEIER -- GOD, COUNTRY, NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame Men's Lacrosse -- Next Year!

The Fightin' Irish came up on the short end of a 7 - 5 score in yesterday's NCAA Men's Division I Lacrosse National Semi-Final game with Loyola -- putting an end to another successful season.  Loyola's Eric Lusby scored five goals and Jack Runkel (goalie) made 15 saves, the most in his career in the Greyhounds win. 

The IRISH held Loyola to their lowest goal total of the season and dominated the face-offs 13 - 1 -- we just couldn't score...

LINK:  NATIONAL SEMI-FINAL RECAP

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  SPORTS ILLUSTRATED STORY

LINK:  DAY 2 AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Are You the Smartest Notre Dame Fan?

Think you know Notre Dame?  Take the test!


LINK:  SMARTEST NOTRE DAME FAN

Notre Dame's Second Coming of Rocket Ismail!

Folks, be sure to watch the video linked below.  In a couple of weeks -- a young man from the Southwest will be arriving on the campus of the University of Notre Dame with the skills of Rocket Ismail. 

Davonte Neal comes to town with 4.37 speed and "back to back" ARIZONA PLAYER OF THE YEAR awards!  He's a huge talent!

Mose pundits believe Davonte will end up in the slot on offense -- and will be running back kick-offs and punts SOON!  After watching the film -- he needs the football in his hands -- often.  This man's a GAME CHANGER!

FYI:  I suspect Coach Kelly "might" require Neal to wear a GOLD HELMET when he's on the field!


LINK:  THE NEXT NOTRE DAME ROCKET!

Must See TV on Saturday -- ESPN2 @ 2:30 PM

Kevin Corrigan's Fighting Irish of Notre Dame left campus yesterday for Foxborough, MA -- home of the New England Patriots and home of the 2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship.  The #4 seeded IRISH take on #1 seed Loyola -- Saturday at Gillete Stadium -- those of us not able to make it to the game can catch the action LIVE on ESPN2 at 2:30 PM ET.

The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Duke vs. Maryland game -- on Memorial Day!

The folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media are tracking the IRISH all weekend long.  Here's their report filed this morning:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LACROSSE

"Never An Excuse To Quit" -- Joe Kernan '68

Loyal son of Notre Dame, Mayor of South Bend, Lieutenant Governor and Governor of the State of Indiana, professional baseball team owner and resident of the infamous HANOI HILTON -- Joe Kernan '68, was recently honored by the Notre Dame Monogram Club. 

The video that introduced Joe to the gathering is quite moving -- you'll enjoy watching! 

LINK:  LOYAL SON OF NOTRE DAME

Happy 95th Birthday Fr. Ted Hesburgh!

He turns 95 years YOUNG today! 

Happy Birthday Father Ted!

LINK:  SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE STORY

Notre Dame Student-Athletes Graduate...

Folks, it's a story that you won't find on the ESPN network -- student-athletes graduating.  And, that's a shame.  Here's a link to a feature that our friends at Fighting Irish Digital Media put together that you're going to enjoy.  It's a story you'll only find here...

LINK:  NOTRE DAME GRADUATES IT'S STUDENTS -- ALL OF THEM

Notre Dame's Greg Crawford -- He's At It Again!

For the third consecutive "summer" -- University of Notre Dame's dean of the College of Science, Greg Crawford is on a "cross country" bike ride to raise money and awareness for Niemann-Pick Type C disease.

This year's route will take Greg from Boston (where he left on Monday) to his end destination of Pebble Beach, CA -- where he expects to arrive on June 22nd -- 3,250 miles later!  Here's a look at his RIDE SCHEDULE!

We'll be checking in on his ride every week -- though you can check in on him everyday at his blog -- see the link below:

LINK:  GREG CRAWFORD'S DAILY BLOG

Big East Home Run Derby Champ -- ALL IRISH!

Trey Mancini (Winter Haven, FL), a sophomore Notre Dame first baseman -- won the Big East Home Run Derby in Clearwater, FL on Tuesday night -- marking the second consecutive year a member of the IRISH baseball team won the hitting contest.  The folks at UND.COM were present -- as always -- with their cameras!

LINK:  HOME RUN DERBY CHAMP

ESPN Ranks Notre Dame's Top Ten Players

The good folks at ESPN took time out of their busy schedule to "rank" the top ten players on the Notre Dame football roster.   Surprisingly, our defense -- which is projected to be the strength of the team -- only placed four players in the TOP TEN.  Take a look!

LINK:  ESPN RANKS THE IRISH PLAYERS

Latest Reaction to Notre Dame's HHS Lawsuit

Took a lap around the web this afternoon to see what the media had to say this morning -- the day after the University of Notre Dame (for the first time in its 170 year history) filed a lawsuit against the federal government.  Just click on the links below:

LINK:  NEWSHOUNDS

LINK:  FOX NEWS

LINK:  NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER

LINK:  THE CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT

LINK:  THE BOSTON PILOT

Only Notre Dame: Leprechaun Tryouts!

For the first time in the history of the University of Notre Dame Leprechaun program -- THREE LEPRECHAUNS were selected!  The folks at Fighting Irish Digital Media and some ND students produced this "inside look" at the selection process for one of the most ICONIC figures in college sports.  You'll like this!

LINK:  THE MAKING OF THE LEPRECHAUN

Media Opinions on Notre Dame's Lawsuit

The media pundits are now beginning to weigh in on the University of Notre Dame's decision to file a federal lawsuit this morning in opposition to the HHS mandate.

Here's what's being said this evening at MSNBC and FOX:

LINK:  MSNBC'S ANDREA MITCHELL

LINK:  FOX NEWS' ALL-STAR PANEL

Happy 89th Birthday Coach Ara Parseghian!

Today, Notre Dame all-time great, Ara Parseghian turned 89 years young!  Congratulations Coach!

6,300 YEARS of Great Service to Notre Dame!

Tonight, inside the "north dome" of the Joyce Center -- hundreds (and I mean HUNDREDS) of University of Notre Dame employees were honored for their years of service.  Employees with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 40+ years at Notre Dame were recognized by Fr. Jenkins and his leadership team along with a number of the deans.

It was announced that the employees honored tonight represented 6,300 Years of service to the University of Notre Dame -- think about that!

One of my colleagues, Augie Freda (in photo) received one of the five major awards this evening -- as he was awarded the Presidential Leadership Award for his great work for the University of Notre Dame.  Augie Freda is well deserving of every honor he receives!

In addition, I had the great fortune of sitting next to "Notre Dame royalty" in the form of one Sally Almassy (photo with Augie).  Now, you may not know the name or face -- but, if you've ever called the University of Notre Dame's main phone number you'll know Sally's distinctive voice and delivery of; "THIS, IS THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME."

Sally was honored for her fifteen years of service to Notre Dame.  And, on the other side of me sat another colleague of mine, Jennielea Vidrich -- who was honored for TWENTY years of service to Notre Dame!

Congratulations to Augie, Sally, Jennielea and all of our colleagues at the University of Notre Dame -- you make this institution special!

Early Reaction to Notre Dame's HHS Lawsuit

Here's how the media is reporting the lawsuit Notre Dame filed this morning against the HHS mandate.  The federal lawsuit is believed to be the first complaint ever filed by Notre Dame against the federal government -- in the University's 170 year history.

LINK:  FOX NEWS

LINK:  MSNBC

LINK:  CNN

LINK:  ABC NEWS

LINK:  CBS NEWS

LINK:  WASHINGTON POST

LINK:  WALL STREET JOURNAL