Best of April

     The month of April featured 19 posts that were viewed all over the World.  Plymouth Whalers hockey, and local Pro Wrestling received lots of views.  Click on April to check out all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com  










                                                            Best of April 2012

                       


1.  "Weekend In A Nutshell"  posted 5/23/2012

2.  "Pro Wrestling in Allen Park"  posted 5/17/2012

     






















3.  "Whalers vs. Rangers Game 7"  posted 5/19/2012

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Vets Park Photo Album

                                                   
                                               

                     

Veterans Memorial Park (in Ann Arbor) is located on the corner of Maple, and Dexter!

                           

   

Upgrades to the ball fields are coming!

             

Tennis courts overlook the ball fields!

                       

The ice arena at Vets!

                           

There is lots of space at Veterans Memorial Park!

The picnic area!

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Veterans Memorial Park Makeover

Vets Park prepares for renovation!

                                               








     Veterans Memorial Park, in Ann Arbor has been home to recreational baseball leagues for several years.  In addition to sports, the park offers a peaceful environment for joggers, dog walkers, and anyone who enjoys being outdoors.  The baseball, and softball diamonds are preparing for an overhaul, and it's all scheduled to begin after the summer baseball league has been completed.  The fall baseball recreational league season has been cancelled due to construction, and the Dexter road (just east of Maple) entrance to the park has already been closed.  The baseball, and softball diamonds at Vets are unique in the fact that they've always drained well during heavy rain showers compared to most ball fields, and its stadium lighting offers an option for night games.  Many players that I've talked to are excited about the upcoming renovations, even if it means missing out on playing hardball this fall.
     Upgrades to the baseball diamonds include replacing the existing infield material (the dusty gravel material) with red clay, and installing drainage around the infield's perimeter.  An automated irrigation system will also be installed, along with new fencing, and concrete floors for the bleachers and dugouts.  Other plans include restoring the field turf, along with regrading the infield, and adding overhangs to the backstops.  The overhangs should prevent visitors with having to endure vehicle damage and broken windshields.
      The ball fields at Veterans Memorial Park have always been viewed to be above average compared to other fields that host league play.  The upgrades will only enhance a community known for being an entrance way to downtown Ann Arbor.  The renovation should attract interest from players, and teams from surrounding areas that may be looking to join a high level recreational league.  Ann Arbor's recreational leagues have provided revenue for the Ann Arbor community for several years, and the makeover of Veterans Memorial Park will ensure a future for baseball in the city of Ann Arbor.    
     








    

        

Behind the plate at Vets #5!

             




Can you go straight away centerfield? Or do you have warning track capability?

 

                        

Left field at Vets #5

Right Field at Vets #5

               
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Petey Williams vs. Dragon Greed

                     
        
                                                                                   

Dragon Greed (in purple) battled Petey Williams (in red)!

  

Both wrestlers compete in Clash Wrestling!

                                              

                                                                                                                                                

Petey Williams defeated Dragon Greed to retain his title!

For more information about Clash Wrestling click on  clashwrestling.com 



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Pro Wrestling In Taylor

                                               

Taylortown in Taylor hosted Clash Wrestling last Saturday night.

               








     Pro Wrestling returned to Taylortown Trade Center last Saturday for "Fight Against Cancer 5".  Some of the top local wrestlers in our area performed in front of a packed house to raise money, and awareness to battle a disease that has affected so many people.  Clash Heavyweight Champion Petey Williams appeared in the main event, battling against Dragon Greed (also known as Dragon Kreed).  Clash Wrestling returns to the city of Taylor on Saturday, May 19th, but this time the venue will be outdoors at Heritage Park.  Clash returns to the Taylortown Trade Center in June, and already has shows scheduled there for August and September.
     Click on the link below for more information about Clash Wrestling!  You can always leave a comment, and you can email the Mitten State Sports Report directly at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com
                                    

Check out clashwrestling.com 

For more information about Clash Wrestling click on  clashwrestling.com




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Another Weekend In A Nutshell

   

    The weekend got off to a rough start for sports fans in Michigan when Tigers outfielder Delmon Young was arrested on a hate-crime harassment charge in New York City early Friday morning.  The Tigers also released Brandon Inge, (signed with Oakland) while the Lions made some questionable picks after the first round of the NFL draft.  Here is some news that you may be unaware of along with information about some upcoming events in our area.


     

                                                                      
                                                                     


                                                         MMA and Pro Wrestling News



-  MMA returns to Detroit this Saturday May 5th when Impact Fight League 48 Turf Wars V invades
   The Fillmore.  Fifteen fights including female fighters are scheduled and the action starts at 7:00.   
   TheFillmore is located at 2115 Woodward Ave. in Detroit.  For ticket info go to ticketmaster.com

-  MMA returns to Lansing on Saturday May 5th when Total Warrior Combat 10 arrives at the Best
   Western Plus Lansing Hotel.  Fights start at 6:00 and tickets are $25 at the door.  The Best Western
   Plus Lansing Hotel is located at 6820 South Cedar Street in Lansing. For ticket info check out
   http://www.twczone.com/

-  Clash Wrestling's Fight Against Cancer 5 was a huge success at Taylortown in Taylor last Saturday.
   (April 28th)  This week I'll be unveiling a new exclusive photo album from the event so enjoy. 

                           

My Mom won't let me watch the fights. She said I get too excited.

                                      






                                                                   Baseball News

-  The Tigers released Brandon Inge.  He signed with the Oakland Athletics on Sunday.

-  Tigers outfielder Delmon Young was arrested on a hate-crime harrasment charge on Friday in New
    York.  On Saturday,the Tigers placed Young on the restricted list.

-  Miquel Cabrera drove in his 1,000th career RBI on Friday night against the Yankees.

-  The Tigers called up 1B Brad Eldred from Triple A Toledo. (after releasing Inge)

-  The Tigers sent RHP Thad Weber down to Toledo, called up RHP Luke Putkonen. (from Toledo)

-  Doug Fister is scheduled to make a rehab start this week for Triple A Toledo.

-  Drew Smyly earned his first MLB win on Saturday for the Tigers against the Yankees.

-  The Tigers are 11-11 on the season after loosing 2 out of 3 to the Yankees this past weekend.

-  Minor League Baseball- The Lansing Lugnuts (18-6) lead the Midwestern League Eastern Division
    the Great Lakes Loons are 12-12, and the West Michigan Whitecaps are 11-11.







                                                                Football News

-  Here is a list of this weekends Lions draft selections.  (2 picks in the 5th round)

1 OT  Riley Reiff  Iowa
2 WR Ryan Broyles  Oklahoma
3 CB  Dwight Bentley  Louisiana-Lafayette
4 LB  Ronnell Lewis  Oklahoma  (also played DE)
5 LB  Tahir Whitehead  Temple
5 CB  Chris Greenwood  Albion
6 CB  Jonte Green  New Mexico State
7 LB  Travis Lewis  Oklahoma

-  Lions signed undrafted rookie QB Kellen Moore from Boise St.







                                                                 Hockey News

-  Danny Cleary (Red Wings) will undergo knee surgery this week.

-  The Plymouth Whalers 2011-2012 captain Beau Schmitz signed a 3 year entry level contract with
    the Carolina Hurricanes.

-  The London Knights will represent the Western Conference in the OHL Championship.  The Knights feature two players from our local area including center Austin Watson from Ann Arbor, and Right Winger Jared Knight, from Battle Creek.








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Red Wings Game Photo Album

 

The Pertile family recently went to the Detroit Red Wings game.  Here are some photos!

                         

The Red Wings battled the Los Angeles Kings!

 
                                    

Faceoff!

                          

A birds eye view of the action!

  

                                            

Lets make a line change!

  

                             

Jack (left) and Tony (right) Pertile stand high above the Joe!

Having a suite time at the game!

                                                

                          

Todd Bertuzzi scored the game winning goal during the shootout!

               








For more information about the Detroit Red Wings click on  redwings.nhl.com



For NHL stats, and standings click on  www.nhl.com



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Riley Reiff: The Latest Lion!

     Detroit Lions General Manager Martin Mahew pulled the trigger on an Offensive Lineman in the 1st round of last nights 2012 NFL (National Football League) Draft.  There is already much speculation from the media, and fans that Riley Reiff (Offensive Tackle) will replace Jeff Backus, but it is the belief of this writer that the two will coexist for a couple of seasons until Backus eventually retires.  It may in fact be Gosder Cherilous who could be the odd man out, but keep in mind that Reiff played Guard, and Tackle during his career at Iowa.  Here are some fast facts about the Detroit Lions newest acquisition.
                        

                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                        Riley Reiff- Fast Facts





-   23rd pick of the first round of the 2012 NFL draft selected by the Detroit Lions
-   played three seasons at Iowa after being redshirted his first season
-   offensive tackle is his natural position but has played Offensive Guard
-   grew up in Parkston, South Dakota (population 1,508)
-   former 3 time High School State Championship Wrestler
-   will wear number 71 with the Lions
-   in 2009 was named 3rd team Freshman All American by College Football News
-   in 2010 was named 2nd team All- Big Ten
-   in 2011 was named 1st team All- Big Ten
-   in 2011 was named College Football All American by Pro Football Weekly
-   was arrested for public intoxication during his freshman year at Iowa
-   did not attend the NFL draft at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City
-   the Lions own Calvin Johnson announced the pick last night instead of Roger Goodell
                                       
                         

   



For more information about the Detroit Lions click on  www.detroitlions.com



For NFL stats, and standings click on  www.nfl.com                  

                                  
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The "Madden Cover Curse"

  

Was Dante Culpepper a victim of the Madden Cover Curse?

    Calvin Johnson was selected yesterday over Cam Newton to become the winner of the 2013 Madden Cover Tournament.  The tournament featured 64 of the top NFL players.  Millions of fans voted, proving that Johnson's accomplishments on the field have been recognized by NFL fans throughout the Country.  There is a downside for Johnson if you believe in the "Madden Cover Curse".  Here is a bit of history regarding the curse of the cover.
                                               

                                                  






                                                              Madden Cover Curse





1999  Garrison Hearst   49'ers   RB suffered a broken ankle in the playoffs and missed next 2 seasons
2000  Dorsy Levens      Packers RB was released in 2001
2001  Eddie George      Titans    RB averaged 3.4 yds. per carry for the rest of his career
2002  Daunte Culpepper Vikings QB suffered a knee injury and missed last 5 games of the season
2003  Marshall Faulk      Rams    RB failed to reach 1,000 yards rushing for a season again
2004  Michael Vick        Falcons QB broke leg and missed 11 games, jail time for dog fighting
2005  Ray Lewis            Ravens  LB missed last half of season due to injury
2006  Donovan McNabb Eagles QB suffered torn ACL along with various injuries
2007 Shaun Alexander SeahawksRB retired 2 seasons later after suffering various injuries
2008 Vince Young        Titans     QB lost starting job, is now a journeyman backup
2009  Brett Farve          Packers  QB lead the league in interceptions with 22
2010  Troy Polamalu    Steelers  S   sprained MCL and only played in 5 games
2011  Drew Brees        Saints    QB success but team faces bounty hunting and wire tapping scandals
2012  Peyton Hillis      Browns     RB played 10 games, rushed for 587 yds while suffering injuries

2013  Calvin Johnson   Lions     WR ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

What about Vince Young? Curse or not?

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NFL Draft: Local Preview

    





    The 1st round of the NFL (National Football League) Draft begins tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m. (eastern time), and can be seen live on ESPN.  There are several prospects from our local area that will wait eagerly, and hope to hear there name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.   I've compiled a list of local prospects, along with a projection of the round in which I believe that these players may be selected.









                                                         Local NFL Draft Projections:








                                                           2nd Round Projections



Quarterback                   Kirk Cousins                             Michigan State
Defensive Tackle           Mike Martin                               Michigan






                                                           3rd Round Projections



Defensive End               Ryan Vanbergen                       Michigan
Defensive Tackle          Jerel Worthy                              Michigan State






                                                           4th Round Projections



Outside Linebacker       Brandon Herron                          Michigan
Offensive Guard             Joel Foreman                             Michigan State






                                                            5th Round Projections



Wide Reciever              Junior Hemingway                      Michigan
Wide Reciever              B. J. Cunningham                        Michigan State
Safety                            Latarrius Thomas                        Eastern Michigan
Center                           David Molk                                  Michigan
Center                           Rocky Weaver                             Central Michigan

  

     

                                              
                                                             6th Round Projections



Running Back               Edwin Baker                                Michigan State
Offensive Guard          Anthony Parker                             Western Michigan






                                                             7th Round Projections



Offensive Guard          Bridger Buche                              Eastern Michigan
Tight End                     Kevin Koger                                 Michigan
Wide Reciever            Keith Nichol                                 Michigan State
Offensive Tackle         Joe Long                                      Wayne State

                 


    
     
                                                    Projected Invites to NFL Camps
           (the following players did not make my big board but may recieve NFL tryout invitations)





Wide Reciever            Martavious Odoms                         Michigan
Running Back              Michael Shaw                                Michigan
Safety                          Troy Woolfolk                                 Michigan
Wide Reciever            Keshawn Martin                            Michigan State
Tight End                     Garret Celek                                  Michigan State
Safety                          Trent Robinson                               Michigan State
Tight End                     Brian Linthicum                             Michigan State
Fullback                      Todd Anderson                              Michigan State
Wide Reciever            Brad Sonntag                                Michigan State
Punter                          Ben Armer                                     Western Michigan
Safety                          Kyke Fitzpatrick                             Ferris State
Defensive End             Brandon Williams                         Saginaw Valley State
Defensive End             Danny Richard                              Grand Valley State
Cornerback                  Corey Gray                                   Northwood
Wide Reciever            Q Mathis                                       Northwood
Offensive Guard          Reid Meador                                Hillsdale
Safety                          Nick Hixon                                   Hillsdale  








For NFL stats, and standings click on  www.nfl.com



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