Just yesterday NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that as states begin to ease restrictions on their “shelter in place” decrees, the league will permit the effected teams to return to their practice facilities if the lifted restrictions allow for it. This means that for instance, there is a chance the Cleveland Cavaliers could return toContinue reading “With Some Teams Allowed to Practice Soon, Here’s An NBA Playoff Plan”
Author Archives: Dan Lembke Jr.
A Baseball Debate: Do Today’s Pitchers Throw Harder Than They Used To?
One continual debate that I enjoy having with people that love baseball is about the idea of how hard pitchers have thrown throughout history. Recently, I’ve seen a lot of posts online about great baseball documentaries, and this conversation re-inspired a debate in my mind because of the Netflix documentary simply titled Fastball. For thoseContinue reading “A Baseball Debate: Do Today’s Pitchers Throw Harder Than They Used To?”
One Last (Imperfect) Statistical Analysis: 2020 vs 2009 Naismith HOF Class
Here we are. The final foe. I have tested the players of this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame against three classes of greats originating from similar inductions in 1980, 1987 and 2006, and each time this year’s recipients have held up to the challenge. So far, this does truly look like the greatest classContinue reading “One Last (Imperfect) Statistical Analysis: 2020 vs 2009 Naismith HOF Class”
Are They the Best Class Ever? An (Imperfect) Statistical Analysis of the 2020 NBA Hall Inductees- Part 2
At the time of my last entry, I spoke to the prowess of the players of the 2020 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class and how quite possibly, this is the prominent class in the history of the institution. To test that theory, I have put together the four classes that I think would beContinue reading “Are They the Best Class Ever? An (Imperfect) Statistical Analysis of the 2020 NBA Hall Inductees- Part 2”
Are They the Best Class Ever? An (Imperfect) Statistical Analysis of the 2020 NBA Hall Inductees- Part 1
I hope that the nine individuals that will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 will get the fanfare that they deserve. On Saturday the Hall of Fame announced that three men’s and one woman’s player, (Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Tamika Catchings, respectively) along with four coaches (KimContinue reading “Are They the Best Class Ever? An (Imperfect) Statistical Analysis of the 2020 NBA Hall Inductees- Part 1”
Where to Turn as COVID-19 Takes Our Games Away… Its all Digital These Days
It’s a quiet and bleak time in the world of sports. As all non-essential workers have been asked to step away from their work lives, the universe of professional sports has been put on pause. I’m sad to say that my previous prediction of how the athletic part of our society would react to theContinue reading “Where to Turn as COVID-19 Takes Our Games Away… Its all Digital These Days”
The Three At-Bat Minimum: A Crazy Idea to Up Interest in Baseball (its different than the three batter minimum)
Watch enough well-pitched baseball games and eventually you will hear something similar to: “Mike Clevinger was stellar today, pitching a complete game shut out. He allowed just one hit and one walk over 9 innings, but was the benefactor of two double play balls. He faced the minimum.” “The minimum.” For those that may notContinue reading “The Three At-Bat Minimum: A Crazy Idea to Up Interest in Baseball (its different than the three batter minimum)”
A Post About NBA’s Schedule Suspension- A Shocked Sports Fan’s Perspective
I am so frustrated right now. Some of what I am about to say might come off as short-sighted or selfish, I understand that. I want to make it fully known that I totally understand and ultimately accept the decision that the NBA has made tonight. NBA games are officially suspended following the conclusion ofContinue reading “A Post About NBA’s Schedule Suspension- A Shocked Sports Fan’s Perspective”
The Roller-Coaster That Is Just Trying to Watch Your Team’s Games in 2020
I breathed a really big sigh of relief Thursday night. After much trepidation caused by the roller-coaster that has become Major League Baseball broadcast rights, I found out yesterday that I will indeed be able to watch my Cleveland Indians play baseball on television this season. Allow me to explain. Like many (especially younger) people,Continue reading “The Roller-Coaster That Is Just Trying to Watch Your Team’s Games in 2020”
Historical Context: Sports, the Coronavirus and What Looms Next
The year is 1918. At this point in our history, World War I has waged on in Europe for four years. Individuals destined for myriad versions of fame, such as actress Rita Hayworth, businessman and founder of Wal-Mart Sam Walton, and historical and inspirational leader Nelson Mandela are born. The now world-famous Cleveland Orchestra isContinue reading “Historical Context: Sports, the Coronavirus and What Looms Next”
Pick-Up Sports Talk: Cleveland 