PC College Students Push For Nashville Predators Name Change Because of "Stigma" Attached To It

By Tony Mangia

Well, the PC Police are at it again and — to no one's surprise — the roll out of another politically correct crusade started on a college campus.

A group of students at Emory University in Atlanta are politicking the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators to change their name to the Nashville Sabercats to shield sensitive minds from the stigmas associated with the word "predator."

Students suggest rebranding NHL’s Nashville Predators to the Sabercats to get away from stigmas associated with the word “predator”#NHL #Nashville @PredsNHL @sport_analytic pic.twitter.com/wPycYck3Ck

— Emory MAC (@Emory_MAC) February 19, 2019

Never mind that the budding social justice warriors are sticking their noses into another city's business (Don't they have enough problems with the Atlanta Braves name?) they don't seem to understand that the word "predator" has been around since cavemen grunted it at real life saber tooth tigers many hockey periods ago.

It was during a Power Point presentation in a marketing class where a section of Emory's fine student body proposed that the "Predators" should rebrand the name because the word has the offensive connotation of weird guys stalking women and perverts chasing minors via the internet. It wasn't the first call for a Nashville Predators name change. It began about a year ago through a Change.org petition sent to that relentless hidden camera, predator-catcher Chris Hansen — the television newser, who surprised morally-insolvent pervs in kitchens of "minors" all over America and on camera. The petition has now been closed (It had 10 supporters) presumably because Hansen is too busy dealing with his own personal bankruptcy issues.

The Emory marketing project also included rebranding proposals for sports teams like changing the name of the Oakland Athletics to the Oakland Guardians to represent the city's "rough reputation." That's odd because the initials O.G. have a way more violent connotation in most gang-ridden cities like Oakland. And then some students pushed for the soon-to-be Las Vegas Raiders to become the Bandits. I don't know about you, but Bandits sends me looking for a safe space faster than Predators.

Students want to rebrand #Oakland @Athletics to the Guardians. Team says new name reflects Oakland’s rough reputation. Oakland G’s reflect long history of winning#Athletics #OaklandAthletics pic.twitter.com/qOYYx24GQ2

— Emory MAC (@Emory_MAC) February 19, 2019

I'm sure some easily offended and attention-seeking students will somehow start a movement and find a way to disparage other NHL teams named after hungry prey-chasing animals — Panthers, Coyotes and Sharks — or deadly natural disasters — Hurricanes, Lightning, Avalanche or Flames — weapons — Sabres — or maybe the just plain stupid — the Blue Jackets.

For me, the team name that really represents death, disasters, perverts and preying on the innocent is the Senators. Now that's offensive.

A-Rod walks up to a different Prince song for each at-bat Thursday

There was no moment of silence or official recognition of Prince’s death at Yankee Stadium Thursday night, but the ballpark’s PA system and Alex Rodriguez did plenty to honor the legendary artist after he died at his Minnesota home earlier in the day.

A dozen of Prince’s songs played over the ballpark’s sound system during the game against the A's, beginning with “Let’s Go Crazy” shortly before the Yankees took the field. Other Prince songs including “1999,” “Batdance,” “Raspberry Beret” and “When Doves Cry” played in between innings.

And one  player did personally honor Prince. Alex Rodriguez used four of the Purple One's songs as his walk-up music for each at-bat.

A-Rod told reporters he used a different Prince song for each at-bat "as a tribute to one of the great legends."

Here is A-Rod's playlist:

First at-bat: Erotic City (instrumental only)
Second at-bat: Kiss
Third at-bat: Pop Life
Fourth at-bat: Alphabet Street

Earlier in the day, A-Rod tweeted out his own sadness at the music world's loss:

Such sad news about @Prince passing. Incredible artist and an inspiration. #RIPPrince

— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) April 21, 2016

It definitely didn't feel like 1999 in the Bronx after A-Rod went 0-for-2 with two walks and the last place Yankees (5-9) lost once again.

Yankees’ Aaron Hicks records 105 mph throw from left field to home on double play (VIDEO)

There seems to be a statistic for every aspect of baseball these days and Aaron Hicks just put name in the books for probably one of the most obscure.

The Yankees left fielder started in place of Brett Gardner Wednesday night and in the fourth inning turned in a double play with a rocket of a throw from deep in the outfield.

The A's had already scored three runs in the inning when Yonder Alonso came to bat with the bases loaded. The Oakland first baseman skied a fly ball to left field with that Hicks hauled in. The left fielder then delivered a one-hop strike home to catcher Brian McCann to gun down DH Danny Valencia tagging up from third. The double play ended the inning.

MLB Statcast registered the throw at 105.5 mph — the fastest ever by an outfielder.

"When you know your ball's not tailing and you've got that nice four-seam going straight, you know you're going to get a solid hop," Hicks said of the throw. "I did today."

Hicks had an opportunity on a similar play earlier in the inning, but his throw home got away from McCann.

The young outfielder may have a cannon of an arm, but the Yankees' bats are still pop-guns. They lost, 5-2.

Five-year-old girl throws out first pitch with Orioles-themed robotic hand (VIDEO)

Little Hailey Dawson was born with a rare congenital disease called Poland syndrome, which left the 5-year-old without fingers on her right hand.

But she now has a robotic one made by engineering students at UNLV who used a 3D printer to construct a special, Baltimore Orioles-themed prosthetic hand for her. And that ingenuity allowed Hailey to throw out the first pitch before the O's hosted the A's at Camden Yards on Monday

With her favorite player, third baseman Manny Machado, crouching in front of her, Hailey wound up with her Orioles-customized hand and delivered. 

Hailey Dawson's first pitch to her favorite player, complete with fist bump and a hug. Watch: http://t.co/rnzvzrA6in pic.twitter.com/PQWPNGmaVP

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 18, 2015

It was an incredible moment where sports and science came together to help fulfill a little girl's dream.

Vin Scully while Ethier destroys bat rack: ‘Get it out, son’ (VIDEO)

Things that stink in life: Missing your school bus, losing your lunch money to a bully and making an out during a big game.

And that last reason was why Andre Ethier used his bat to vent his frustration in the dugout after lining out to the Athletics' Ike Davis Tuesday night.

And, as always, there was the soothing voice of Vin Scully to turn the big leaguer's tantrum into a calming perspective.

"Get it out, son." ~ Vin Scully pic.twitter.com/drLUloeSDV

— Vin Scully (@VinScullyTweet) July 29, 2015

And after you put those bats back on the rack Andre, how about we go for some ice cream?

With sprinkles?

Athletics' Billy Burns leaves game with 'testicular contusion' (VIDEO)

Oakland Athletics outfielder Billy Burns left Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants with what was officially called a testicular contusion.

That's a black-and-blue nut to all us laymen.

Leading off the fifth inning, Burns went down quickly after the Jake Peavy pitch below bounced off of the ground and hit him in the groin.

Billy Burns left tonight's game with a "testicular contusion" https://t.co/tELvEBkVAu

— Justin Symons (@j_symons) July 25, 2015

Ouch. That hurts.

Foul tip nails A's Billy Burns in a very bad spot http://t.co/EYUdylvvQr pic.twitter.com/GSHSPFwpB3

— Sporting News MLB (@SN_Baseball) July 25, 2015

Despite the obvious pain, Burns managed to finish his at-bat before getting replaced by Mark Canha in the fourth inning.

Get the ice bag.

Federal lawsuit seeks more safety netting for MLB ballparks

A federal lawsuit filed in San Francisco on Monday is trying to force Major League Baseball to install netting from foul pole to foul pole to protect spectators from flying bats and balls.

The lawsuit — filed on behalf of an Oakland A's fan and other season ticket-holders throughout the major leagues during the All-Star break — does not ask for money. Instead, it wants Commissioner Rob Manfred to extend the screens that typically cover only a few sections behind the plate all the way down the first- and third-base lines.

"Every type of fan is constantly at risk of serious injury or death," said Robert Hilliard, one of the lawyers involved in the case. "If that foul ball is hit hard enough, reaction time is basically zero and life-threatening injury is certain. This is a needless risk. Extending the nets will, as a fact, save lives."

The proposed class action was filed on behalf of Gail Payne, who has tickets in an unprotected section at the Oakland Coliseum, by Hilliard's Texas-based firm, Hilliard Munoz Gonzalez. A website asks other season ticket-holders to contact another firm handling the case, Seattle-based Hagens Berman.

Payne, an Oakland A’s fan, feels vulnerable because her seats in Section 211 in the second deck at O.co Coliseum are not protected by netting. A fan beside her was injured by a foul ball, her lawyer said.

The commissioner's office said it is discussing safety with the clubs, and players could also become involved in the talks.

"Fan safety is our foremost goal for all those who choose to support our game by visiting our ballparks, and we always strive for that experience to be safe and fan-friendly," MLB said in a statement. "Major League Baseball is in the process of re-evaluating all issues pertaining to fan safety, comfort and expectations."

Here’s a novel idea — get off your iPhones and stop waving at the TV cameras during the game and pay attention to the ball.

Or learn to duck.

Red Sox fan who was hit in the face by shattered bat at Fenway Park leaves hospital: Report

The Massachusetts woman who was seriously hurt when a broken bat flew into the stands at Fenway Park last week has been released from a hospital.

Officials at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston say that Tonya Carpenter was discharged and transferred to a rehabilitation center.

Doctors describe Carpenter's recovery as "excellent" and say she's getting stronger every day.

The 44-year-old Red Sox fan from the town of Paxton, suffered what police initially said were life-threatening injuries during the June 5 game between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics. She was struck in the head in the second inning when the bat of Oakland's Brett Lawrie shattered and shards of wood flew into the seats along the third-base line where she was seated.

The game was halted for a few minutes while she was rushed out of the stadium, then resumed. 

After the game, Lawrie sent her a note and flowers in the hospital. Those same flowers reportedly accompanied her to the rehab center.

Organizers say they've received donations for Carpenter, who works for a construction company, from Red Sox and Yankees fans, alike, and even some from overseas.

Major League Baseball is now reviewing fan safety at stadiums. 

Pat Venditte makes MLB debut by getting outs using both arms

Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte made his long-awaited big-league debut at Fenway Park Friday night since beginning his long journey in the minors in 2008.

And the Oakland Athletics reliever was the first pitcher in 20 years to throw with both hands in the same game.

The ambidextrous hurler entered in the seventh inning— with the organist playing Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" — and retired Brock Holt with his left arm and then, after allowing a single to Hanley Ramirez, got Mike Napoli to hit into a double play with his right.



Things got comical when the 29-year-old switch-pitcher faced switch-hitter Blake Swihart in the eighth and the glove and helmet chess match began.

Young Tigers fan learns the joy and pain of catching A's grand slam ball (VIDEO)

A young Tigers fan experienced a full range of emotions after he happily caught a grand slam ball before realizing it benefited the opposing team.

With Detroit leading the Athletics, 3-1, in the top of the eighth, Ben Zobrist, came to the plate with the bases loaded. On an 0-1 changeup from Angel Nesbitt, Zobrist drilled the pitch over the fence in left-center field where the 8-year-old JD Schilp was ready with his glove. 

Feelings of joy spread through his body as he lifted his arms in celebration. That was until he figured out his beloved Tigers were now losing 5-3.

Somewhere there's a life lesson learned here.

Chase Headley's slow rolling bunt drives A's infield crazy (VIDEO)

Who says baseballs don’t have a sense of humor — or a little mean streak?

And Chase Headley's bunt during the Yankees' 5-3 win over the A's at to O.co Coliseum Saturday night was proof of that.

Headley laid down a bunt with two outs in the top of the seventh inning before the ball decided to ride the third-base line almost all the way to the bag. The indecisive little guy went fair and then foul again a few times before it finally rested in fair territory and Headley was credited with a hit.

By my count, the ball rolled foul four separate times while all the baffled A's players could do was wait.

Either Chase Headley is a warlock, or the baseballs have finally become sentient: http://t.co/Qn08DzfL4f pic.twitter.com/ZkuxSg2jHi

— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 31, 2015

Headley was eventually stranded on first base when Alex Rodriguez struck out. But I think the ball had the last laugh.

Oakland A’s Brett Lawrie strikes out four times on just 12 pitches (VIDEO)

The Texas Rangers pitchers made short order of Brett Lawrie's plate appearances Tuesday night. Really short.

The Oakland A's third baseman had a night he'd probably rather forget after striking out four times on just 12 pitches. That's right — 12 pitches. Meaning four times he strolled to the plate and each time he headed back to the dugout after three straight pitches.

And it seemed only fitting that he fanned for the final out on what had to be a long night.

"One of those games," Lawrie said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I felt I went in there with a good approach, I just didn't attack early and they ened up getting ahead offspeed early. So just one of those days."

The embarrassing Oh-fer dropped his batting average to .125. Lawrie, a career .264 hitter, was traded to the A's in the offseason after four seasons with the Blue Jays.

The good thing? Still 160 games to go. The bad? Still 160 games to go.

Royals fan promised puppy for win gets new dog (PHOTO)

There was more on the line at Tuesday's American League Wild Card Game between the Oakland A's and Kansas City Royals than just the game after one Royals fan held a sign saying she was promised a puppy if her team won.

Katie Castan and Joe Onofrio appeared on national television when cameras caught them holding up the sign during the game last week. The sign said that "If we win, he's buying me a puppy."

Kansas City did their part of the deal and walked off with a 9-8 victory in the 12-inning game.

Then came the happy introduction between the young lady and her new Welsh Corgi pup after Onofrio held up his end.

royals fan gets her puppy! Lucy "Rally" Castan, a 4 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi @KCTV5 #royals pic.twitter.com/ExQnh8QT6M
— jamieoberg (@jamieoberg) October 7, 2014

The acquisition of the dog didn't go quite as the couple had planned. They wanted to get a puppy from the KC Pet Project, but a family with a 4-year-old corgi reached out to them. The family said they had been looking for a new home for their dog for months without success.

She said that they planned to name the puppy after a Royals player but, since this corgi already came with a name, they're calling her Lucy "Rally" Castan.

Mariachi band serenades A's fans in O.co Coliseum stands (VIDEO)

The A's fans inside O.co Coliseum were treated to more than baseball when a mariachi band popped up in the left-field stands and serenaded the crowd during the eighth-inning.

The color-coordinated musicians added a little local flavor to everyone's peanuts and hot dogs.

And the musical support didn't didn't seem to hurt as the A's beat the Mariners 6-1.



At this point the brass and strings might be less annoying than the wave, but when does the di-di-di-dada di-di-di-dada start to get on some fans nerves:

Jonny Gomes lays out for diving catch and saves two runs (VIDEO)

Jonny Gomes took a dive out in left field to make an amazing catch, stealing two runs from the Astros at Minute Maid Park Tuesday night.

The A's left fielder's third-inning stretch wasn't enough though. Houston ended up winning 4-2.

Jose Molina almost got lapped by teammate during home run trot (VIDEO)

Jose Molina has never been known for his fleet of foot, but this slow strut around the bases could be confused with a leisurely stroll around the park — literally.

During the fourth-inning of Wednesday's Rays-Athletics game, Kevin Kiermaier hit a two-run shot that put Tampa Bay in the lead 3-0. But he had to put the brakes on his home run trot when he almost lapped the chugging Molina before reaching third base.

A smiling Kiermaier was finally able to turn on the burners after the winded catcher touched home plate.

A's go ahead with Yoenis Cespedes T-shirt giveaway despite being traded (VIDEO)

Yoenis Cespedes was once a bright star for the Athletics but, after being exchanged for Jon Lester and Jonny Gomes before Thursday's trade deadline, La Potencia will soon be a washed up memory in Oakland.

Washed up as in an old faded T-shirt sort of way.

While Thursday's trade seemed to benefit both clubs, it left the A's marketing department with an unusual dilemma because Saturday's game at Oakland's O.co Coliseum was supposed to be Yoenis Cespedes T-shirt night. 

So the A's decided to just go ahead and give them out anyway.

Today's @ynscspds Yoenis Cespedes T-shirt giveaway by #Athletics two days after trade to #RedSox. pic.twitter.com/qSlxzFItTX
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) August 2, 2014

Lester, who made his first start for the A's in the giveaway game, weathered the awkward situation, for an 8-3 win over the Royals.

Meanwhile, Cespedes went 1-for-4 with a run scored in a 6-4 Red Sox loss to the Yankees.

Coco Crisp uses ninja move to get out of a rundown (VIDEO)

Coco Crisp got caught in a rundown between first and second after a pickoff attempt Friday night. But the A's outfielder managed to use a ninja-like move to escape the tag.

Now you see him, now you don't.

Even the baffled Marlins players stood around wondering what just happened after Crisp's catlike crawl and slide back to the base.

Giant sandstorm approaches minor league ballpark during game (PHOTO)

The Texas-based Midland RockHounds are the Double-A affiliate of the Athletics, and on Wednesday night a scary looking sandstorm approached their ballpark.

For all us greenhorns, we never get to see these things up close — or even at all.

Yup. Sure looks like the umpires had a little double-duty with their base brushes last night.

Sandstorm entering Midland's ballpark in the first inning. No filter on this pic. pic.twitter.com/KxtFi0q7pJ
— Alex Vispoli (@Vispoli) June 18, 2014

John Jaso and Stephen Vogt have dugout battle for playing time (VIDEO)

After A's catcher Derek Norris was hit on the glove hand by Yangervis Solarte's back swing Sunday, it looked like he may not be able to stay in the game and would have to be replaced.

So John Jaso and Stephen Vogt did what any concerned teammates would do — have a friendly battle to see who could get their gear on first. 

Squatting behind the plate must be a lot more fun than sitting on the bench, so the two players hastily strapped on their pads and nudged each other out of the way so someone could get in a little ninth-inning game time.

Their eager Put Me in Coach attitude had the rest of their teammates cracking up in the dugout.

And the call went to Jaso — who got his mask on first.

If your team doesn't have sausage races, I guess this will do.