Three Cheers, and Game Seven

Checking in from a hotel room in Tampa, owing to the fact that the American League Championship Series is going to a Game Seven. I've covered two Game 7's in my professional career -- the '95 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, when the Magic hosted the Pacers, and the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals, when the Lightning hosted Calgary. You've probably heard this a lot lately, but it bears repeating: there is nothing in sports like a Game Seven. Nothing. It's difficult to describe the level of desperation unless you've been there in person.

Of course, THIS Game Seven never should have happened. Up three games to one, seven outs to go, a seven-run lead in Game Five? Why the hell are we here now?

Pitchers missing the strike zone, some shaky defense, excruciatingly patient Boston hitters, and inexperience. That's how.

But I come here not to bury the Rays. Rather, here is your reminder that readers can Reply or Critique this post with ideas or comments for Monday's Tailgate Overtime show (7pm, Sun Sports).

Also, a moment of patting selves on back: the nominees for the 2008 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards were announced online on Saturday, and Sun Sports / Fox Sports Florida was honored with a lucky 13 nominations this year, including nods for "Inside The Rays," "Under The Lights," "Inside The Heat," "Inside The Marlins," and several others. Plus, our partners at the Miami Heat received four additional nominations. A lot of people worked very hard on these submissions, and I'm thrilled to see that work recognized. Bully for us.

Your blogger here was humbled to be nominated four times, both individually in the "On Camera Talent - Sports Talent" category and collectively as part of the team behind "Under The Lights: Stories of Courage," "Inside The Magic: Gameday All-Access," and the Sun Sports production of Game Five of the '07 Magic-Raptors NBA playoff series. I've never been nominated before; I use the word "humbling" in its most literal sense. It feels good, obviously, but also very odd. Nobody works alone in our business -- directors, producers, and editors have much more to do with whether or not I look good than most viewers will ever know. The nominations only make me appreciate that fact even more than I already did. To those I work with, nominated or not: thank you, and thank you again.

And if I win in any of those four categories, I'm gonna mount the statuette on the hood of my car.

See you on TV tonight before and after Game Seven, and Monday night on Tailgate Overtime.