Master Phil.....

I openly admit that I am a Phil Mickelson fan and have been for a long time. Funny thing is, I can't tell you why or when I became Mickelson fan. Maybe it is because he is "Lefty" and I am a lefty, or maybe it was because he was a little out of shape, but still athletic. A couple of traits I am familiar with on a personal level. Looking back, what I think drew me to Phil was the fact that he was oh so close in the four golfing "majors", but never knew how to take his foot off the gas and coax his way to those elusive victories. Even after his first win in a "major" at the 2004 Masters, Phil still found some ways to lose (see 2006 US Open at Winged Foot), but I still found myself pulling for him.

Well, earlier today Phil Mickelson won his third Masters' green jacket and fourth overall golfing major championship. After sinking a birdie putt to wrap up a three stroke victory, Phil was congratulated by his caddie, golfer Lee Westwood, and Westwood's caddie.

After the sportsmanship, Phil went straight to his wife Amy and gave her a hug that I thought was going to go on forever. Amy was diagnosed last year with breast cancer (Phil's mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer only a short time after Amy's diagnosis) and has been in Augusta since Thursday, but didn't leave her bed until Sunday afternoon. They hugged, and because of the power of HD television, we could see tears streaming down Phil's eyes. Maybe, even through misty eyes of your own.

It was a week when the sports world focused on Augusta and was talking about that "other golfer" and the off the field problems that plagued him, and yes, that includes me. At the same time we were being told that a two time Super Bowl winning quarterback would possibly be facing sexual assault charges, while a NFL defensive lineman was arrested for carrying a loaded gun in an airport. It was enough to make you question your love for sports and those that play the games. I'm sure it is enough to make some question why I do and want to do all this "sports stuff".

Instead, Phil's victory and subsequent moment with Amy erased all of those negative thoughts and reinforced my love of sports and those who play the game. It is the reason I spent my time on these columns, the podcasts and why I hope and pray someone gives me a chance to do this for a living. Moments and stories like Phil and Amy's is why I love sports and do what I do.

Thank you Lefty.

The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (4/11/2010).....

The past nine days have been great if you are a sports fan. We had two NCAA Basketball Champions crowned (both men and women), the final week of the NHL regular season, the start of the 2010 MLB season, and The Masters is underway. Plus we had an All-Pro quarterback traded to a team within the same division of his former team.

Mike Tricarico joins me to go over the past week and discuss the sports stories peaking our interest. Enjoy.

Mike on Twitter.

The SportsFan Buzz: April 11, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas

The SportsFan Buzz (4/4/2010).....

Playing the Devils and losing on Easter weekend is probably not a good thing. The NHL is in its final week of play and the races are tight. Kobe Bryant re-signs for big bucks with the Lakers and it is Final Four weekend. Plus what are the Eagles thinking in having their top 2 QBs on the trade market, and I make my predictions for the upcoming MLB season. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: April 4, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.

Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas

The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (3/21/2010).....

A little "birthday" podcast as I celebrate my 44th year of existence. I am now convinced the NCAA should not expand the college basketball tournament to 96 teams. The NY Jets cry "foul", but seem to actually come out the winner of the "stadium dispute". Head shots and a fight highlight the NHL week and I feel bad for Joe Nathan and the Twins as well as Kerry Wood. Plus Tiger will return at The Masters. How will CBS & ESPN handle it? Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: March 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.

Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.