Remembering Bill Russell – The Greatest Sports Champion Ever
by Gil Vieira

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Bill Russell was the greatest basketball player of my youth and, by far, the greatest sports ‘Champion’ of my lifetime.  Boston Celtics great Bill Russell passed away this week. He was 88 years-old. Russell was drafted in 1956 – and during his 13-year playing career in the NBA, he won 11 Championships, including 8-in-a-row! However, his NBA rings weren’t his only championships, as he also won 2 NCAA Championships for the San Francisco Dons, a…

LeBron Ruining the Lakers’ Legacy

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

In a sports sense, I hate the LA Lakers. I’ve been a Boston Celtics fan since the days of Bill Russell, so…enough said. However, while I dislike the organization, that doesn’t mean I haven’t respected them over the years. The Celtics-Lakers rivalry is one of the best in all of sports. Plus, I actually liked Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. Both were great players and classy men. And while I was never a fan of…

Celebrating the Birth of America: The Greatest Country Known to Man

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

With the Fourth of July approaching, I look forward to celebrating the birth of the greatest country in the history of our planet.  The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the American Revolution. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies…

American Hypocrisy Extended to Sports

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

To be clear, I’m no longer a big golf fan. I haven’t followed golf intently since the days of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicholas. I played a lot during my college years and a few years, thereafter…but that was many moons ago.  So, with that said, don’t expect this blog to provide much insight on golf or the new LIV Golf Series. But, rather, it will bring your attention to the ongoing hypocrisy of many…

Remembering Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

As the son of a World War II veteran who is extremely proud to showcase Dad’s Purple Heart on my fireplace mantle, I remind everyone that Memorial Day is a very special day for Americans. It’s a day we honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military in our nation’s wars. As my Dad would always remind me, Veterans Day is for ALL who served, but Memorial Day is to honor those who…

Whiny NBA Duo Get Their Due

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Yes, I’m a Boston Celtics fan. However, I guarantee you, the majority of NBA fans will agree with my following sentiments, including some diehard New York fans. Besides, most New Yorkers are Knicks’ fans and still consider the Nets as part of New Jersey. But, then again, their two New York NFL teams play in New Jersey, so…. For those who don’t follow the National Basketball Association, the Celtics just swept the Brooklyn Nets in…

LA Dodgers Roberts and Kershaw Perpetuate The Wussification of Pro Sports

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

With legendary Baseball Hall of Famer Rod Carew the guest on the ‘A Mick A Mook and A Mic’ podcast this week, I thought it would be apropos to write about baseball. And while I had intended to write something positive about the game, sadly, LA Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts stepped in and that plan went awry. However, allow me to first acknowledge the great Rod Carew. I met Rod via the ‘Mook’ (Frank Pace)…

My Favorite NCAA Basketball Final Four…Was the Fix In?

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Watching the recent NCAA Final Four, plus knowing UCLA basketball great, John Vallely, would be a guest soon on the ‘A Mick A Mook and A Mic’ podcast, ignited many fond basketball memories. It was in March 1970 when my favorite NCAA basketball memories occurred. Over 50-years ago…yikes! I was a sophomore in college. God, just a baby!  I was attending Jacksonville University (JU) in Florida – and finally getting over being homesick. Living south…

Biological Men…Stay Out of Women’s Sports!

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Let me be clear, if you’re an adult and not hurting children or a member of my family, I couldn’t care less what you wear or who you bed.  An adult in America is free to make their own life choices, as long as it’s within the law of the land or the rules of the game. If you’re not an adult, then those choices and decisions belong to your parents….not teachers, politicians, or corporate…

A Plane Crash That Saved My Life!

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Yes, you read the headline correctly. A plane crash that I experienced ended up saving my life! As I’ve mentioned a few times in my blogs, I started working in the Sporting Goods Industry in the early 1980s. My first job in the industry was with Ektelon, a leading racquetball company based in San Diego, CA.  I began with the company serving as its Eastern Sales Manager. Personally, I was based south of Boston and…

Pro Sports Becoming a Turn Off

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

This is difficult to admit, but sports doesn’t mean quite as much to me as it once did. Age certainly has something to do with it, but there are many more negative happenings in professional sports that has added to it being a turn off.  As mentioned in previous blogs, much of my life has been devoted to sports. Beginning with youth sports through high school, college and adult travel softball, I played actively for…

Traveling Across America…and Beyond

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

With this week’s episode of A Mick A Mook and A Mic featuring the travel adventures of Billy and Frank (Mick and Mook), I thought I’d share some of my travel escapades, most of which were business-related. However, there were also many personal trips that I will always cherish. Over the years, I have traveled to 47 states, Puerto Rico, and 6 countries. The only states I have not experienced are Alaska, Montana and South…

‘Brady Bowls’ Come to an End

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Beginning with Super Bowl XXXVI, played on February 3, 2002, Tom Brady (The GOAT) has played in ten!  Yes, that’s right…10!  It’s hard to believe that 50% of all Super Bowls played since that memorable upset of ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’ (St. Louis Rams), have showcased Tom Brady.  For the past twenty years, the ‘Brady Bowl’ became almost an annual event. So, it’s no surprise as to why the Patriots and Brady were so…

Baseball Hall of Fame Voting Needs Revamping

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Congratulations to Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, aka ‘Big Papi’. Ortiz was the sole player voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this year, on his first ballot, by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). The 2022 Induction Ceremony will take place Sunday, July 24, on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, New York.  Ortiz, one of the greatest clutch hitters in MLB history, will join Golden Days Era Committee…

Warriors Co-Owner Provides More Reason to Dislike the NBA

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

For those who read this blog regularly, you know my (once) love of the National Basketball Association is waning. Between the game being ruined by the constant chucking of 3-pointers, inconsistent officiating and hypocritical players who care more about the almighty dollar than democracy (see LeBron), I’m now appalled by the words spoken by Golden State Warriors Co-Owner, Chamath Palihapitiya. The billionaire venture capitalist boldly stated, “Nobody cares about the Uyghurs”. This statement was regarding…

Boston Celtics: The Greatest Franchise in NBA History

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

It’s time for some good, old-fashioned homerism.  Growing up just south of Boston, I’m a full-fledged Boston sports fan. And why not?  It’s the greatest sports town in America, especially since the turn of the century. Since 2000, Boston has won (by far) the most championships in the four major professional sports leagues than any other city, with 12 banners having been raised. In total, Boston has won 41 championships (NBA, MLB, NFL-Super Bowl, and…

As the Years Fly By…Be Grateful for the Memories

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Another year is coming to an end.  Sadly, the older I get, the faster the years seem to fly by.  Funny…when young, the years didn’t go by fast enough. I always looked forward to getting older. First came the time when I couldn’t wait to be a teenager. Then, after turning 13, I was dying to get into high school. Those high school years are the days that I still cherish. As for my college…

KEEP CHRISTMAS IN YOUR HEART

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

As many people scramble this week in preparation for Christmas, it should not be forgotten as to what the true meaning is of this special day.  And, please, NEVER be ashamed of wishing fellow Christians a Merry Christmas. It’s a time of joy for us, as we celebrate the birth of our savior and open our hearts to all.  As the great English writer and social critic, Charles Dickens, wrote, “I will honor Christmas in…

NBA Players Chucking 3-Pointers is Painful to Watch

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

I’ve been watching pro basketball for more decades than I want to admit. To give you a hint, my favorite players as a young boy were Bill Russell and John Havlicek. Some of my fondest memories growing up were of my days on a basketball court. At Christmas, I used to tell my Dad that if I was only to get one gift, please have it be a new basketball. I’ve always said that one…

MLB Lockout: A Good Time to Fix the Game, but Greed Prevails

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Oh, where to begin?  There are so many important issues Major League Baseball needs to address, I could write a book. And what better time for them to fix the game than in the coming months – when negotiations reopen between owners and the MLB Player’s Association.    However, sadly, I don’t believe the current ‘lockout’ will help push either side to deal with many of the specific game needs, as much as it will…

Giving Thanks for Family and My Life in Sports

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Thanksgiving…my favorite holiday. I also love the true meaning of Christmas, but it has become far too commercialized.  Is there anything better than gathering with family and being thankful for our life together? There’s a saying that hits home every time I hear it…”Traditions are stories that families write together…keep writing our tradition.”  With the loss of my parents a number of years ago, our family traditions will continue to be written by my nephew,…

When Did Sports Analysts Become Comedic Buffoons?

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Here’s a tip right off the top for sports analysts, especially the pre and post-game commentators….leave comedy to the professionals. October has always been utopia for sports fanatics. The month showcases Major League Baseball Playoffs and World Series, the National Football League is well underway, and the NBA and NHL kick-off their seasons.  It’s the preeminent sports month that likely bestowed upon men the ominous title of ‘couch potatoes.’ With all the major sports showcased…

MLB Playoffs: A Different Game from the Regular Season

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

Make no mistake, baseball remains America’s pastime.  While the National Football League may be America’s favorite sport to watch, we ‘pass time’ (over 8-months of the year, including Spring Training) watching baseball.  And while some may think baseball is boring, which it can be at times during a long, 162-game regular season, try watching playoff baseball. It’s an entirely different game and very exciting. Have you been watching the 2021 MLB Playoffs? At the time…

Before My Sports Career the Mafia Came Calling

vSportsTalk - By Gil Vieira

After graduating from college and prior to entering the Sports Industry, my life was filled with some precarious characters – none of whom my father, a police officer, would have approved. However, it was a time that surely provided me with interesting stories…and a better appreciation for being alive. It all began with my first job, post-college. I became a sales representative for a beer and wine distributor. The main beer sold was Narragansett.  ‘Narry’…