Getting Into The Game with Johnny "Ballpark" Franks

Johnny “Ballpark” Franks can be heard weekdays locally from 3pm-6pm on SportsRadio 730 The Ump (730 AM/103.9 FM). Email comments and questions to Johnny.Franks@cumulus.com

Published: Thursday, May 6, 2010

With the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby last Saturday, it got me to thinking about memorable sporting events and personalities that have shaped my sports world over the years. One of those figures whose legend still looms tall is actually a non-human. He is a horse, Secretariat, with a featured movie coming out later this year in October.

From a combination of strength, beauty and charisma, Secretariat was unmatched. (although Seabiscuit would put up an argument about the charisma part by becoming a symbol of hope during the Great Depression).

Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby in 1973 and went on to capture the Triple Crown, with victories also at the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. The chestnut stallion’s winning time (1:59 2/5) in the Kentucky Derby is still a record. And, although I was just 10, I will never forget Secretariat pulling away to win by 31 lengths in the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Although Secretariat is no longer with us, having to be euthanized at the age of 19 in 1989, his memory along with so many great sports figures will live on.

Speaking of the Kentucky Derby, if I had a horse and needed a jockey, I would think of only two words. Calvin Borel. Borel was able to navigate the sloppy track conditions to win Saturday on Super Saver, which gives Borel his third win in four years at the Derby. The jockey is known for staying close to the rail and avoiding trouble. Last year Borel rode Mine That Bird, a 50-1 long shot, to victory in Louisville.

The second leg of this year’s Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, is May 15, while the Belmont Stakes will be run on June 5.

Congratulations to the Alabama Vipers as they have begun the 2010 campaign with a 3-1 record, including last Saturday’s 75-67 victory over previously unbeaten Milwaukee. An enthusiastic crowd of 5,000+ in the Von Braun Center saw quarterback Kevin Eakin lead the offense with seven touchdown passes. The Vipers next home game is Saturday, May 15, against Orlando.

Finally, if your favorite major league team has under performed so far through the first month of the season, then don’t panic just yet. The first true measuring stick to separate the contenders from the pretenders is June 1.

Two months in or approximately 50 games are a good barometer to gauge potential success in a given year. However, if you are fans of Baltimore (7-19) in the American League or Houston (8-17) in the National League, then it is safe to start thinking about next season (or maybe next decade knowing how bad these two teams are).

Johnny "Ballpark" Franks is the afternoon host on SportsRadio 730 The Ump (730AM/103.9 FM). His show can be heard each weekday from 3p-6p. E-mail: Johnny.Franks@cumulus.com