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Since hitting the court for the first time, the Duke Blue Devils have been major contenders in the world of NCAA basketball. Certain components have made them winners.

Since 1906, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team has mastered the art of slam-dunking the competition. In fact, only three other schools have earned a higher winning percentage: Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Other teams occasionally feature a star player or earn a spot in the NCAA tournament’s Final Four. However, the Blue Devils have consistently produced quality teams. Here are some of the keys to their success:

1. Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Since the 1980-1981 season, Krzyzewski has served as the general of Duke’s men’s basketball team. The numbers speak for themselves. His accomplishments at Duke include:

• 3 National Championships (1991, 1992, 2001)

• 10 Final Fours

• 23 NCAA Tournament Births

• 10 Number One seeds in the NCAA Tournament

• 21 ACC titles

In 28 seasons, “Coach K” has had 25 winning records, and only three losing records.

2. Outstanding players

Throughout its history on the hard court, Blue Devils men’s basketball has consistently recruited and developed some the country’s top players. The team has retired the jersey numbers of some of the best NCAA basketball players of all time, including:

• Shane Battier - #31

• Johnny Dawkins - #24

• Danny Ferry - #35

• Christian Laettner - #32

• Bobby Hurley - #11

• Grant Hill - #33

• J.J. Reddick - #4

• Jason Williams - #22

To be eligible for this honor, players must graduate from Duke University, and receive national recognition for their basketball excellence (i.e. set an NCAA record or win an award).

Duke Blue Devils players have also received numerous accolades during particular years. Various players have won several National Players of the Year awards. Meanwhile, 11 players have been named ACC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, and five players have been named ACC Rookie of the Year.

3. NCAA Tournament History

The Duke Blue Devils have not only played extraordinary well during the regular season, but they have continued their winning ways into the annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The NCAA has seeded them #1 ten times, #2 seven times, and #3 four times. Under Coach Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils have advanced to at least the Sweet 16 (3rd round), 16 out of 23 years (69%).

4. Duke Blue Devils fans

The student fans of the men’s and women’s Duke basketball teams, have earned the nickname “Cameron Crazies.” The name originates from Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Cameron Crazies “sit” in the stadium’s courtside student section, which can seat 1,200 cheering fans. To show team spirit, the fans have become renowned for painting their faces or bodies blue and white, and wearing various Blue Devils gear. They also shout out cheers and jump up and down, during key points of the basketball game.

Year after year, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team has consistently remained one of the top NCAA teams. When invited to the NCAA tournament, they are nearly always a contender for the NCAA title. Use Duke Blue Devils merchandise to cheer on the team to its fourth championship!

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on UNLV rebels merchandise. Many articles are related to college team memorabilia and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

Fans of Florida State Seminoles football are familiar with basic facts regarding the team. However, you might not know these lesser known facts.

Are you a Florida State Seminoles fan? While Florida State has excelled in several sports, its football team in particular has become renowned. During its history, the football squad has won roughly two-thirds of all of its games, has won or tied 22 of 35 Bowl games, and has earned two national championships (1993, 1999). However, here are some lesser-known facts about the football program at Florida State:

1. Florida State was once West Florida Seminary

Football at West Florida Seminary started at 1899 (or earlier). Then in 1901, the school became Florida State College. The college won its first football state championship in 1904. Then in 1905, the school became a women’s college: The Florida State College for Women. Following the end of World War II, Florida’s university system experienced a rearrangement. For the first time since 1905, the newly-named Florida State University admitted men. Along with men, football returned to the university!

2. In 1995 and 1998 the Seminoles were co-conference champions

About 99.9% of Seminoles fans know that their favorite team has won two national championships: in 1993, and 1999. In 1993, Florida finished out the season with a 12-1 record (they lost to Notre Dame 31-24). Then in 1999, Florida earned a flawless 12-0 record.

In addition to their pair of national championships, Florida State has also won Dixie or ACC conference titles, 15 times (they were co-champions in 1995 and 1998). Except for 2005, when their final conference record was 5-3, the Seminoles lost a maximum of one conference game, during their other 14 division championship seasons.

3. FSU has played to two ties in Bowl games

Throughout its history, Florida State has an overall Bowl record of 20-13-2. The first tie was in the Gator Bowl (1967), against Penn State (17-17). Then in 1984, FSU would tie Georgia in the Citrus Bowl-by the same score: 17-17! Furthermore, FSU has never lost in a Gator Bowl, earning a total 5-0-1 record. Interestingly, Florida State has twice clashed with its intrastate rival, the Florida Gators, in Bowl games. In 1995, FSU defeated Florida 23-17 in the Sugar Bowl. However, in 1997, Florida had its revenge in the same Bowl game-dismantling FSU, 52-20.

4. Ed Williamson is the only Seminoles head coach never to win a game

NCAA fans would probably not be surprised to learn that Bobby Bowden has had a higher winning percentage than any other Seminoles coach in the school’s history has had. He has won roughly three-fourths of all his coached games. Meanwhile, Ed Williamson has the worst winning percentage: .000. Florida State won zero of five games under Williamson. Understandably, the Seminoles coach during the next season was NOT Williamson.

Throughout its history, Florida State University has produced numerous quality teams and players. Heisman Trophy winners Charlie Ward (1993) and Chris Weinke (2000) helped to lead FSU to their national championships. Who will be the next FSU all-star? Use Florida State Seminoles merchandise to cheer on FSU to a third national championship!

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on w Michigan broncos merchandise. Many articles are related to ncaa college shop and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

Any additional training done for judo ought to be integrated into the judoka’s total training program and indeed his life. More does not always mean better in the context of physical and mental training.

The basis of the training process is stimulus (work done), adaptation (recovery) and improvement, but this is an oversimplification. An important concept anyone involved in sports training ought to understand is that of the General Adaptation Syndrome. This was a term coined by Dr. Hans Selye to describe the theory of biological stress. It offers a useful framework from which most training programs can be designed. Selye proposed a three-stage process which occurs when any living organism is placed in situations that alter its state of homeostasis, its normal physical, mental and emotional state. The stimulus he called a stressor and can take many forms. Any form of physical exertion from a five-mile run to a weight-training session is a stressor. But so too is an influenza bug, a mortgage or a bereavement.

In the case of exercise the stressor should have essentially positive results, the other stressors are more likely to be negative. However, what both stressors have in common is that they initially decrease the body’s capacity to cope with additional stressors. This stage is called the shock or initial alarm stage of GAS. This is followed by counter-shock or the resistance phase of GAS.

When the body has adapted to a given stressor its ability to cope with other stressors is improved too. This is termed cross-resistance and explains why a fit person recovers from an injury or illness quicker than an unfit person. However if multiple stressors, or high intensity stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope with are applied, counter-shock may not occur and deterioration into the third phase of GAS, which is exhaustion, may take place.

This is very easy to understand in terms of simple training overload - train too hard and you become exhausted and you must rest in order to recover. What people often fail to grasp, though is that as well as a specific response to stress, such as a muscle growing bigger and stronger as it adapts to being able to lift a heavier weight, there are non-specific responses to every stressor. Consequently when planning and analyzing training programs and workloads it is prudent to consider other stress factors in the judo player’s life.

Any number of things can adversely affect performance, but if overstress is suspected look for the following tell-tale signs: loss of appetite, weight loss, constant fatigue or ill-health, a succession of minor injuries, sleep disorders or even just a lack of interest in training. The quickest way to cure the problem, if it is a case of the exhaustion phase of adaptation, is to reduce the number of stressors and cut down on the training. In simple terms this can mean reducing the intensity and/or duration of your physical training, cutting back on overtime at work or even taking a holiday vacation.

Troy Macraft Judo Gi Ninja Weapons

The ninja were a group of assassins and spies who fought and hunted in the mountainous regions of Japan. This group was made of a collection of fundamental survivalists who created and practiced many survival techniques. This survival group propagated many legendary myths about themselves, which instilled great fear into their enemies. Those myths still exist today, reinforced by the popular movies like ‘Teenage Ninja Turtles’ and ‘Elektra’.

The ninja symbol is the character “nin,” which means endurance, tolerance, and strength. The pictograph of a knife above a heart represents self-discipline.

The Early history of the Ninja

Practitioners credit the origins of the art to En No Gyoja, a warrior monk who set up a training camp in the Togakure mountain range. The sect existed in isolation for 500 years until 1165, when Daisuke Nishina, a clan member, ran away to the Iga province. There he came under the tutorage of Kain Boshi, a mystic warrior and monk, which greatly influenced his training, adding esoteric philosophies to his fighting and tactical guerrilla skills.

Ninjas Versus the Samurai

In its original form, the art was geared to the needs of the assassin, with a large emphasis on concealment, infiltration, and spying. Opportunities for employment among the ninja peaked during medieval times, when warring factions became better organized and the need for unconventional battle tactics became vital to success.

It is a widely held misconception that the ninja were sworn enemies of the samurai. In fact, many were also samurai who took on assassination jobs or gathered intelligence for opposing samurai clans as a way to raise their status and financial wealth. They actually share many of the same techniques for fighting. However, there were many battles between them, largely instigated by warlords who had gathered samurai militia and felt threatened by the ninja’s expertise in destabilizing power bases.

Teaching and training in Ninjitsu

In the past, the art of ninjutsu was practiced and taught in a strict code of secrecy from master to disciple, and teaching as a profession was discouraged by the ninja until quite recently.

Today, there are many different schools of ninjutsu, the majority of which teach skills that originated from samurai fighting arts: spiritual refinement, armed and unarmed combat, explosives training, stealth, water training, military strategy, escape, horsemanship, espionage, geography, and meteorology.

Principles of Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu’s basic tenets are summed up in a poem, probably composed by a warrior known as Yamabushi.

The Essence of Ninjutsu

My parents are the heaven and earth,

My home is my body,

My power is my loyalty,

My magic is my training,

My life and death is breathing,

My body is control,

My eyes are the sun and the moon,

My ears are sensitivity,

My laws are self protection,

My strength is adaptability,

My ambition is taking every opportunity with fullness,

My friend is my mind,

My enemy is carelessness,

My protection is right action,

My weapons are everything that exists

My strategy is one foot in front of

the other,

My way is ninjutsu.

Troy Macraft Ninja Weapons Martial Arts Supplies

There have been many outstanding NHL players in the leagues history. Here are five of the greatest of all time, including the “Great One.”

Do you know “The Great One”? In the world of hockey, that can only refer to Wayne Gretzky. While Gretzky has retired from the NHL, his skills and love for the game live on in today’s NHL teams, such as the Calgary Flames. While Gretzky was arguably the greatest NHL player in the league’s history, he is among the best of the best that have ever played professional hockey:

1. Wayne Gretzky

No “best of the best” list of NHL players is complete without “The Great One.” Gretzky’s accomplishments during his career include:

• Four Stanley Cups

• Nine-time NHL MVP

• Jersey number (#99) permanently retired throughout NHL

• More than 60 NHL records

• NHL all-time leading scorer

• Two Canada Cup MVPs

Born in Ontario Canada, at the age of three-years-old, Gretzky received his first pair of ice skates. Gretzky mastered his skating skills on his personal ice rink.

2. Gordie Howe

Howe was an ironman on ice. In fact, his nickname “Mr. Hockey” is actually a registered trademark. Howe played the most games in the NHL’s history. Eleven different Halls of Fame have inducted Howe. A “Goldie Howe Hat Trick” refers to a trifecta that differed from the standard definition of three goals in a single game. Instead, the Goldie Howe Hat Trick includes one goal, one assist, and one won fight. Interestingly, Howe only had one Goldie Howe Hat Trick during his illustrious career.

3. Mario Lemieux

Like Wayne Gretzky, Lemieux had amazing speed and elegance on the ice. Born in Montreal, Canada, Lemieux began playing hockey at three-years-old! Then in 1984, he became the NHL’s first overall pick. He earned the nickname “Super Mario” during his hockey career. Lemieux won two Stanley Cups, and retired with 613 goals and 881 assists. He also won the hockey gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics, representing Canada.

4. Bobby Orr

Orr was born in Ontario, Canada. He started playing hockey soon after he had begun to walk. Orr earned the highest salary of any NHL rookie in history, receiving roughly $25,000 per year. He also became the first NHL defenseman who was also potent on offense. Orr led the Boston Bruins to two NHL Stanley Cup championships (1970, 1972), while he won the defenseman MVP eight consecutive years. During his NHL career, Orr also helped to launch the NHL Players Association.

5. Maurice “Rocket” Richard

Born in Montreal, Richard started to play hockey shortly after he mastered walking. He mastered his skating on a rink behind his home. Richard became famous for his goal-scoring and hard-hitting on the ice. He led his team, the Montreal Canadians, to an impressive eight NHL championships. One of Richard’s greatest feats during his career was racking up 50 goals in 50 NHL games. Richard entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1961, one year after retiring.

There has been one “Great One” in NHL history, along with other great ones. Use NHL merchandise to cheer on your favorite NHL team to the great Stanley Cup!

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on Calgary Flames merchandise. Many articles are related to discount NHL merchandise and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

If you have heard the fight song “War Eagle,” then you have unmistakably witnessed an Auburn Tigers football game. Also known as the arch rival of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Tigers have achieved enormous success in NCAA football.

If you have heard the fight song “War Eagle,” then you have unmistakably witnessed an Auburn Tigers football game. Also known as the arch rival of the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Tigers have achieved enormous success in NCAA football. That includes a 1957 ranking by the Associated Press, as the top football team in the nation. While Auburn’s legacy certainly involves a winning tradition, it is only one aspect of Auburn Tigers football:

1. A history of high rankings in polls

The numbers do not lie. Various polls have ranked the Auburn Tigers as one of the greatest football squads of all time. The Associated Press has ranked Auburn as #11, in its final AP Polls. Meanwhile, the College Football Research Group has ranked Auburn #14, in its list of all-time greatest college football teams. Furthermore, the AP Poll and Coaches Poll have ranked Auburn in their final list of top 20 teams, during 33 seasons. All of these statistics are particularly impressive, considering that currently 119 schools are included in the NCAA’s Division I-A. That places Auburn in the top 10% of final AP Polls.

2. One “official” national championship

As any dedicated fan of NCAA football knows, the term “national champion” has until recently, been somewhat disputed-due to the lack of a championship game, and split polls. Officially, Auburn claims one national championship team: the 1957 squad that finished the season with a 10-0 record. However, Auburn has had several outstanding teams throughout its history, which were not officially “national champions”:

• 1914: Outscored its opponents by a whopping 193-0.

• 1983: Commendable 11-1 record and beat Michigan in the Sugar Bowl (9-7)

• 2004: 13-0 record and ranked #2 in the AP poll and Coaches Top 25 poll

3. The birth of an eagle-War Eagle, that is

Where did “War Eagle,” the fight song of the Auburn Tigers, originate? In truth, it is unclear, and several theories exist. One of the oldest ones involves the Battle of the Wilderness, which occurred in Virginia during the Civil War. The battle involved General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union, and General Robert E. Lee of the Confederates. The battle resulted in heavy causalities for both sides. Furthermore, neither side earned a strategic victory through the battle.

4. Jackson’s and Sullivan’s Heisman Trophies

Quarterback Pat Sullivan was the first Auburn player to win the Heisman Trophy Award (1971). During his college career, Sullivan passed for nearly 6,300 yards and 57 touchdowns, and even personally rushed for 18 touchdowns!

Before playing the professional sports of football and baseball, Jackson was a star football player at Auburn. In addition to playing football there, he also played baseball and ran track! Bo Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 1985.

From Bo Jackson to the 1957 National Championship team, the Auburn Tigers epitomize NCAA football excellence. Team spirit has paralleled the team’s history of winning. Use Auburn Tigers merchandise to cheer on the team, as they leap towards a second NCAA football title.

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on Maryland terrapins merchandise. Many articles are related to college merchandise for sale and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

Has your favorite NCAA football team played for 120 years? That is how long Penn State has been dominating the gridiron. Throughout the years, the team has maintained outstanding records, while undergoing changes of its players, coaches, and nicknames.

Has your favorite NCAA football team played for 120 years? That is how long Penn State has been dominating the gridiron. Throughout the years, the team has maintained outstanding records, while undergoing changes of its players, coaches, and nicknames. Most fans of Penn State and NCAA football are aware that Penn State has won two National Championships. However, that is only one indicator of the squad’s winning tradition. Other gauges include:

1. Coach Joe Paterno

Paterno is currently coaching the Penn State Nittany Lions in his 43rd season. For many Penn State fans, Paterno IS Penn State football. His accomplishments include:

• 2 NCAA football championships (1982, 1986)

• 3 Big Ten Conference Championships (1994, 2005, 2006)

• Winning roughly 75% of the games he has coached

• A 23-10-1 record (.696 winning percentage) in Bowl games

• 3 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year awards (1978, 1982, 1986)

2. Nittany Lion Mascot

People refer to the Nittany Lion, mascot of the Pennsylvania State University athletic teams, as a cougar, lion, panther, or puma. Unfortunately, the animal became extinct a quarter of a century after the school’s 1855 founding. Why is the mascot Nittany Lions? Penn State’s campus sits within the Nittany Valley, while mount Nittany stands nearby.

Harrison D. “Joe” Mason chose the Nittany Lion symbol, in 1907. A member of Penn State’s baseball team, Princeton showed the visiting team two Bengal tigers. Mason noted that a Penn State Nittany Mountain Lion could overpower a Princeton tiger. Penn State won the game and the rest as they say-is history.

3. Outstanding Bowl game record

Through its history, Penn State has played in 41 bowl games. Its overall record in those games is 26-12-2 (.675) while its record in “major” bowl games, is 14-5-1 (.725).

4. One Heisman Trophy winner

In 1973, John Cappelletti, a running back for Penn State, won the Heisman Trophy. During his senior year at Penn State, he had 286 carries for 1,522 yards, and racked up 17 touchdowns. In his acceptance speech for the Heisman Trophy, Cappelletti dedicated the award to Joey, his dying brother. After graduating from Penn State, John played for the Los Angeles Rams (1974-1978), and then the San Diego Chargers (1980-1983).

Two decades after his senior year at Penn State, the College Football Hall of Fame inducted Cappelletti.

5. Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees

Besides creating a winning tradition at its school, Penn State football has produced successful NFL players as well. Ex-Penn State players who the professional football Hall of Fame has inducted, include:

• Jack Ham (Linebacker): Pittsburgh Steelers

• Franco Harris (Running Back): Pittsburg Steelers/Seattle Seahawks

• Mike Michalske (Guard): New York Yankees/Green Bay Packers

• Lenny Moore (Flanks/Running Back): Baltimore Colts

• Mike Munchak (Guard): Houston Oilers

From its mascot to its future professional football all-stars, Penn State has represented outstanding football, for over a century. Use Penn State Nittany Lions merchandise to cheer on the team as it bounds toward its third NCAA football championship!

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on cincinnati bearcats merchandise. Many articles are related to NCAA college store and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

What is in a football team’s name? Throughout the NCAA football season, we constantly hear the names of various teams as we watch games, learn scores, and manage our college fantasy football squads. However, we rarely think about the origins of various schools’ names. Here are some of the fascinating stories about some NCAA schools’ names:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

In the history of NCAA football, Alabama has become one of the most successful teams. However, have you ever wondered about the history of the team’s name? Newspapers originally referred to the football name as “Crimson White.” This alluded to the school colors. It later became the “Thin Red Line.” However, in a 1907 game between Alabama and Auburn, the two teams battled in a sea of red mud. Thus, Alabama became the “Crimson Tide.”

2. Penn State Nittany Lions

We are familiar with mountain Lions, but what is the significance of Penn State’s “Nittany” Lions? It all began with a Penn State graduate named H.D. “Joe” Mason.

Mason became inspired after seeing a live Princeton tiger on its campus. A Penn State newspaper then sponsored Mason’s quest to choose a mascot for Penn State. The school ultimately chose a lion, and it is most likely the first college to have a lion as its mascot. The “Nittany” refers to the school’s location at the base of Mount Nittany. According to local Native American legend, Nittany (also Nita-Nee) was an American Indian princess.

3. Arkansas Razorbacks

Before they were the Razorbacks, Arkansas was the Cardinals. Students selected the mascot, due to the school’s colors of cardinal and white. The name “Razorbacks” originated from a talk that the first paid Arkansas football coach, Hugo Bezdek, made to the students of Arkansas. Bezdek gave the talk after the school’s seventh victory during the season. He observed that the team had played like a “wild band of Razorback Hogs.” The rest, as they say, is history. Starting in 1910, Arkansas had a new mascot: The Razorbacks.

4. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma has become renowned for its play on the gridiron. However, have you ever wondered what exactly a Sooner is? Prior to the U.S. government’s opening of regions in the Indian Territory for settlement, Sooners were actually people who entered the lands illegally. “Sooners” first referred to settlers in 1889 who moved onto the Oklahoma Lands prior to 12:00 noon on April 22, 1889.

5. Tennessee Volunteers

We all know what volunteers are. However, to which volunteers does the name of the Tennessee Volunteers refer? During the early portion of the War of 1812, Tennessee earned the nickname, “The Volunteer State.” President James Madison ordered General Andrew Jackson to enlist 1,500 volunteer soldiers from Tennessee. The troops were to battle Native Americans and the British, but they never fought during the war. General Andrew Jackson would later become the U.S. president.

Every fact we learn about NCAA football, can help us to appreciate it better. For instance learning the history of NCAA schools’ names increases our appreciation for their games.

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on Tennessee volunteers merchandise gear. Many articles are related to NCAA College fan shop and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

Have you ever caught a pop-up fly ball at a Major League Baseball game? In the past, sports memorabilia mainly consisted of baseball cards. Today, however, a wide variety of items from all MLB teams, including the New York Yankees, is available. From replica helmets to cups, and from office supplies to Bobbleheads-you can find a wide variety of MLB memorabilia on the market.

For truly dedicated MLB memorabilia collectors, your next mission is to get a MLB autograph. This task can actually be easier than it might seem. However, it is important to follow some important guidelines:

1. Get organized

When the moment of truth arrives, make sure that you have your MLB sports memorabilia ready for a player to sign. Which types of pens should you use? Use ballpoint pens for autographed baseballs. Meanwhile, black or blue Sharpie? pens are perfect for autographs on other items.

2. Remember that patience is a virtue

If players sense that an autograph-seeding crowd is starting to get rowdy, they will typically cease signing items. Also, consider that players tend to have security entrances, making it more challenging for fans to land autographs. Thus, the window (or door) of opportunity for capturing MLB players’ autographs, has become much narrower.

3. Ask for one at a time

Never ask a MLB player to sign more than one item. If you ask a player to sign 100 trading cards, baseballs or bats, he might get suspicious. Certain players are indifferent when you ask for multiple signatures, though others would be offended if you turned a profit by selling the items on an online auction site.

4. Write about writing

Try writing a polite letter of request to the MLB player, and include an envelope that is stamped and self-addressed.

5. Women and children first

According to insiders, players tend to be more willing to sign autographs for children and attractive females. You could increase your chance of getting an autograph, by dressing up your child, nephew or niece, etc. in a team jersey, and then have them request an autograph.

6. The early bird catches the signature

Stadiums typically open about two hours prior to each MLB game. Wait for signatures nearby the dugout of the home or visiting team.

7. Be nice

Here are some guidelines to remember when trying to obtain autographs from MLB players:

• Refer to players by their first names. There is no sweeter sound to any human

• Smile

• Never call a MLB by the WRONG name. That nearly guarantees you will go home empty-handed.

• Remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’

• Compliment the player on a specific play

• Never yell at players as they are stretching, batting, etc.

After securing MLB memorabilia, getting a MLB player to autograph it is icing on the cake. While that mission may seem daunting at first, you can complete it by following some basic steps. Follow the aforementioned tips to get a player’s John Hancock-regardless of what his name is!

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on NY Yankees merchandise store. Many articles are related to major league merchandise and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village

The Washington Wizards have already won one NBA Finals, as the Washington Bullets. Although the name has changed, the team plays to win another NBA Championship trophy for the city.

What is in a name? Today’s Washington Wizards have played as the Chicago Packers, the Chicago Zephyrs, the Baltimore Bullets, the Capital Bullets, and the Washington Bullets. Interestingly, however, the team’s name change did not include a change in the city that it represented. Today’s Washington Wizards are the same team as the Washington Bullets.

In 1996, the owner of the Washington Bullets, Abe Polan, chose to change the name of the NBA’s Washington team. That was due to the increasing number of homicides in the city, which began in the early 1990s. The Bullets feared that the name “Bullets” encouraged gun violence. Interestingly, the homicide rate peaked in 2006. Nevertheless, the franchise would ultimately choose “Wizards” over other finalists, including Dragons and Stallions.

The Washington Wizards played their first game with a new name, in new jerseys and shorts, and in a new arena (MCI Center) on December 2, 1997. It was a magical night for the Wizards, as they defeated the Seattle Supersonics 95-78. While the Wizards completed the regular season with a 42-40 record, they missed qualifying for the playoffs, by a single game.

Albeit the Washington Wizards have made four consecutive playoff appearances from 2005-2008, the team achieved its greatest success in the 1970s, as the Washington Bullets. During that decade, the Bullets won six division crowns, and appeared in four NBA Finals. In fact, the Bullets earned a spot in the NBA Finals, in each year that they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals (1971, 1975, 1978, 1979).

Unquestionably, the Washington Bullets’ 1977-1978 season was particularly memorable. The Bullets finished the season with a 44-38 record, and barely snuck into the NBA playoffs. They grounded the Atlanta Hawks (2-0), shocked the San Antonio Spurs (4-2), and then vanquished the Philadelphia 76ers (4-2). The Spurs series was particularly interesting. In Game 6, the Spurs’ player Mike Gale had to wear an inside-out Bullets jersey, after he had misplaced his uniform.

The Bullets would face the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA Finals. Washington battled back three times to tie the series. In Game 7, the Supersonics was a huge favorite over the Bullets. However, the Bullets played solid team-basketball, and earned their first NBA Finals, with a 101-94 victory.

Throughout their history, the Washington Bullets/Wizards have retired four players’ jersey numbers:

• Elvin Hayes - #11 (Forward): 1972/1973-1980/1981

Twice NBA rebounding champion (1970, 1974); and 12 NBA All-Star games

• Gus Johnson - #25 (Forward): 1963/1964-1971/1972

Five NBA All-Star games and four All-NBA Second Teams with Bullets

• Earl “The Pearl” Monroe - #10 (Guard): 1967/1968-1971/1972

Famous for stylish dribbling and passing; NBA Rookie of the Year

• Wes Unseld - #41 (Center): 1968/1969-1980/1981

NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP (1969); Basketball Hall of Fame (1988)

What is in a name? Although the Washington Bullets are now the Washington Wizards, the team shares a history and a tradition of excellence. Use Washington Wizards merchandise to cheer on the team as it tries to make magic in the NBA Finals again.

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on Washington Wizards merchandise. Many articles are related to NBA merchandise store and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village