(Submitted by Tim K. (ghost writer))
:10—Kudos to Bill “The Real Deal” Neal for his Armon “The Hammer” Gilliam/Leroy “Free” Freeman Memorial Hard Work Basketball Camp. A great time had by all, 72 youths, ages 8-16, participated Saturday and Sunday under sunny skies and the watchful eyes of their parents. The camp, sponsored by Highmark, UPMC, Gateway Health, Chief Executive of Allegheny County Rich Fitzgerald, East Liberty McDonald’s, KBK Enterprises and The New Pittsburgh Courier is in its 42nd year, 5th year under the Armon Gilliam/Leroy Freeman banner. A very special thanks to the Penn Hills YMCA for the use of their facilities.
:09—The Olympics are here. The Olympics are here. It looks to be a China, U.S. competition for most medals, with Russia, under drug suspension/suspicion, an also-ran at this Olympics. Look for big medal hauls for the U.S. in swimming, women’s gymnastics, led by the astonishing Simone Biles, quite probably the most dominating athlete on the planet, and track and field.
:08—If the U.S. basketball team does not win every game by 20+ points, it will be a huge upset. Make that 30+ points. U.S. basketball, women’s gymnastics, Simone Biles for all-around, Katie Ledecky in the 400 and 800 meter swims and the other Dream Team, U.S. women’s basketball, are stone cold locks. Bet the house. Bet your neighbor’s house too.
:07—Steelers camp is open. The annual pilgrimage has begun. Despite the suspensions, look for the Steelers’ offense to roll over the competition big time. As for the defense, we’ll just have to wait and see. Prediction? Of course, 12-4, AFC Title, Super Bowl winner. Wait, wait, wait—slow down. We’ll get back to predictions when camp breaks.
:06—Back to the Olympics for one more thing. We’ve come so far in the year 2016 that seeing a female Olympian with children now is so commonplace that it doesn’t even raise an eyebrow. And that’s a good thing.
:05—The Buccos. They’re hovering near .500, middle of the pack for the wild card, holding on by their fingertips and this is all being accomplished by smoke and mirrors. If I told you in April that Andrew McCutchen would be hitting about .240, Josh Harrison .260 and the pitching staff would still be using Jeff Locke, would you have put them within striking distance of the playoffs? Me either. If they make the playoffs, this year is a remarkable success and next year when Glasnow, Taillon and Josh Bell are regulars? Watch out.
:04—Sticking with baseball, you read it here first, the Cubs will not win the World Series. Will not win the N.L. pennant. And that will make me very happy because they are all-in this year, trying to buy a title like a vintage Yankees team.
:03—Adios A-Rod. Good riddance. And don’t let the door hit you in the you-know-what.
:02—And please, please, please, don’t let it ever be revealed that Albert Pujols was juicing. Watching him hit without the taint or suspicion of steroids has been an absolute joy for a died-in-the-wool, true blue (or black-n-gold) baseball fan. I hope he hits 700+ home runs. He is a class act.
:01—My thanks to Mr. Bill “The Real Deal “ Neal for allowing me to substitute for him while he recovers from his fantastic basketball camp. You are the definition of “class.” And I am out.
From Bill Neal: P.S.
Thanks Tim. And I want to take this opportunity to recognize Comcast NBC Universal as a major sponsor in the Breaking Barriers Olympic documentary held at the Heinz History Center. Thank you Comcast. Job well done.
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