Okay, I admit it. I’m guilty. I usually use straps when performing deadlifts, and I’ve taken criticism for doing so. While it’s true that most lifters can deadlift more weight with straps than without, that’s not the reason I use them. In all honesty, my deadlift is only about 5…

1986 would prove to be the Mets finest season in their 25-year history. The teams’ roster had many star players, such as Gary Carter (acquired from the Montreal Expos) and Keith Hernandez (obtained from the Cardinals). In the outfield was 1984 rookie of the year Darryl Strawberry. …

(Part 1) 1962–1985 It goes without saying that the New York Mets have not had anywhere near the success achieved by their cross-town rival, the New York Yankees. Since their first year in the league (1962), the Mets have had only 26 winning seasons and 33 losing seasons. …

We look at linebackers, the defensive backfield, special teams, and team defense in this final installment of my memorable exchange with sportswriter Paul Zimmerman. Almost every all-time team lumps together linebackers as if there is no difference between the linebacking positions. But Dr.Z and I agreed that there are big…

In Part 1, I shared our thoughts about NFL skill players. In Part 2, we focus on offensive and defensive linemen. I’ll start with the offensive lineman. At center, I had Jim Otto, Mike Webster, Mel Hein, and Jim Langer. Zimmerman demured. “Dwight Stephenson was the best center ever to…

The late Paul Zimmerman, known as ‘Dr. Z’ was best known for his NFL coverage. And that was the focus of our conversation. Paul Zimmerman was a renaissance man of sports, so to speak–eloquent, prolific, and with a range of interests. …

1980 Oakland Raiders, The Unlikely Super Bowl Champ Few saw it coming–before the season began and even at mid-season. But with excellent quarterbacking and a dominant defense, the Raiders won the NFL’s big prize 40 years ago. From 1967–1977, the Raiders had been one of the top teams in professional…

A review of Yankees’ history tells us something important about sports and life. Even the mighty can fall. Anyone who has followed MLB baseball knows the NY Yankees have a rich tradition of winning. From 1926–1964, the Yankees didn’t have a losing season. That’s 39 straight years! …

Nearly six decades ago, the Green Bay Packers had one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. Here’s why the 1962 team deserves that accolade. In 1962, the Packers beat the NY Giants at Yankee Stadium to win their second consecutive NFL Championship. They had beaten the same Giants to…