Pittsburgh Sports Report July 2014 by PSR

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Pittsburgh Sports Report

JULY 2014

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EDITOR’S DESK

Skating Softly TONY DEFAZIO PSR EDITOR

I was in a press box in Charlotte, NC, last month, taking in one of Gregory Polanco’s final triple-A games. A colleague, upon learning I was from Pittsburgh, approached me with a question. “Why can’t Sidney Crosby win anything?” he asked. “Does he fail all the time because he’s just too soft?” I assumed he was going to ask why Polanco was still in the minors, why the Pirates failed to re-sign A.J. Burnett, or how Josh Harrison would get playing time once Polanco was recalled. So the question caught me by surprise, though it shouldn’t have. It’s a version of the same question Pittsburgh fans and media have been asking for two years. It’s a good question, because—aside from a World Junior Championship in 2005, a Stanley Cup in 2009, and Olympic Gold Medals in 2010 and 2014—Crosby never wins.

And, sure—other than coming back from a pair of concussions so severe that he spent stretches of days isolated in dark rooms, and other than playing 14 playoff games with a face broken so badly that he couldn't eat for a month—Crosby is soft. There is no question that the Penguins have underachieved in the postseason since winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, and there’s no question that Crosby needed to deliver much more than he did in playoff losses to Boston in 2013 and to New York in 2014. And there is no question that Crosby deserves all the heat he takes for that lack of production. Nor is there any question that Crosby is not the same type of vocal leader Mark Messier was for the Oilers and Rangers. He won’t get in his teammates’ faces. He won’t curse out the media. He won’t make locker room guarantees. He won’t gather the troops and make a Bluto-esque “Nothing is over until we decide it is!” speech.

But he didn’t do those things when he won championships in 2005, 2009, 2010 or 2014, either. What Crosby is, however, is the Penguins’ best player and the hardest worker in the room. Any coach in any sport will tell you that when one player is both of those things, that player is indeed a leader. The improbable comebacks Crosby has made from career-threatening concussions in 2012, and from a shattered jaw one year later, underscore his competitiveness and determination. But hard work, competitiveness and determiniation don’t deliver Stanley Cups without a healthy dose of playoff goals. And while Crosby has the former in spades, he clearly has not delivered enough of the latter. Not lately, anyway. So maybe Sidney Crosby is soft, and maybe he’s not a winner. Or maybe he just hasn't won what you want him to win recently enough.

July 2014 Vol. 19, No.6

DEPARTMENTS

PSR FOCUS Ralph Kiner Mid-Season Report Card Under The Radar

10 PURE STEEL Training Camp Preview Lion of a Battle

16 BLUE LINE Sidney Crosby NHL Awards Jim Rutherford

20 ON CAMPUS

LEGENDS xxxxx

An Unbreakable Bond WVU in the Big 12 Sterling Jenkins

23 PITTSBURGH LEGENDS The Best of the Best

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Contents 6 NORTH SHORE NOTES

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UP CLOSE WITH PSR Broadcaster Steve Blass

EDITOR’S DESK Questioning Crosby

PHOTO CREDITS Justin Berl 8, 12, 16a, 16b Charles LeClaire 9, 13b, 14a, 21a, 21b, 21c Aaron Doster 13a, 14b Pittsburgh Pirates 1, 4a, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Louis Requena MLB Photos Getty Images 3 Focus on Sport Getty Images 4b, 24 New York Mets 6 MiLB 10 Getty Images 14c USA Today Sports Images 17 Bruce Bennett Getty Images 18 Saint Johann Press 20 Baldwin High School Football 22

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PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • JULY 2014 3

PSR INTERVIEW

UP CLOSE STEVE BLASS Steve Blass made his major league debut for the Pirates in 1964. From 1968 through 1972, Blass was one of the National League’s best pitchers, winning 68 games in five years, capturing a World Series championship and finishing second to Steve Carlton in N.L. Cy Young voting in 1972. It all ended suddenly and infamously for

Blass, as control problems forced him out of the game just two years later. Blass landed on his feet, however, joining the Pirates broadcast crew in 1983. Part of Pirates legend as a player, broadcaster and all-around personality, Blass shared his thoughts on the Pirates 2014 season with PSR contributor Kurt Hackimer.

It’s been a kind of makeshift kind of situation because we dominated so much with the bullpen last year. Isn’t it ironic that the bullpen’s become - Steve Blass the team’s biggest question mark this year? Kurt: While the Pirates offense has

been about the same this season as it was last season, the starting rotation has been noticeably worse. What do you expect from the Pirates rotation going forward? Blass: I’ve been very happy with the fact that it didn’t all collapse and I’ve got my fingers crossed that the rotation can be effective, however it’s patched together. It goes back to the old philosophy that a lot of baseball people have: You never have enough pitching. You want to load up in case these scenarios happen. It’s great to see (Jeff) Locke come back and pitch like he did at the beginning of last year. (Brandon) Cumpton’s been very good. Vance Worley had some very strong games against the Pirates in the past and I’m excited to see him pitch for us. I’m very happy that we stockpiled some pitching. You mentioned that the hitting is about the same; I think we’re hitting a lot better. It’s been a kind of makeshift kind of situation because we dominated so much with the bullpen last year. Isn’t it ironic that the bullpen’s become the team’s biggest question mark this year? That is so rare that a bullpen can be so dominant for six months.

They were dominant all of last year, but it’s hard to expect that to happen two years in a row. You want as much balance as you can get. Kurt: How should Pirates coaches ap-

proach a player like Starling Marte, who has all of the talent in the world but often has trouble putting it all together? Blass: Coaches have their own style of how they approach things. You hope that he kind of matures and develops that gut instinct that comes from playing the game, and I’m optimistic that will come. I think they’ll coach him on fundamentals and also the subtleties that he’ll encounter in games: Hitting the cut-off men, knowing which base to throw to, when to take off while stealing. Kurt: Should keeping Russell Martin

be one of Neal Huntington’s top priorities this offseason? Blass: I’m not a general manager, but I certainly hope that he stays. A lot of catchers don’t bring what he brings. He brings consistency and a sense of stability when he catches. He has a good feel for all of the pitchers on the staff and he’s a rock for this baseball team. That’s important whenever

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you’ve got 12 different pitchers starting games. They believe in Russell Martin and he believes in them, and that’s important. Kurt: What does a winning baseball team mean to this town? Blass: It represents a great deal because it’s a great baseball town. I think we got reassurance of this last summer and this town deserves a very competitive team. We’re in a society now that demands you win every game all of the time every year. That’s not realis-

tic. But the people of the city of Pittsburgh have waited a long time to cheer on a winning baseball team and they deserve to see one.

HIGHS AND LOWS

At the culmination of the 1972 season, former Pirates pitcher Steve Blass had won 100 major league games. He had a World Series ring, finished in second place in the Cy Young voting and owned a 3.24 lifetime ERA. Over the 1971 and ‘72 seasons, Blass averaged a 17-8 record, 11.5 complete games, 3.5 shutouts and a 2.67 ERA. He had clearly established himself as one of the best pitchers in the National League. And then it ended. Just like that. Infamously, Blass was simply no longer able to throw strikes. Blass, who had averaged 32 starts over each of the previous five seasons, only managed 18 starts in 1973. In 88 2/3 innings, he walked 84 batters and hit another 12. He was 3-9 with a 9.85 ERA. It only got worse. Blass made one major league appearance in 1974 and allowed five hits, five runs and seven walks in five innings. He was sent to Triple-A Charleston, where he pitched in 17 games and posted a 2-8 record with a 9.74 ERA. He walked an astounding 103 batters in 61 innings. He never appeared in the major leagues again.

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Going Going Gone: Goodbye A Tribute to Ralph Kiner

BY KURT HACKIMER

When the baseball world lost Ralph Kiner at 91 this past February, it unquestionably lost one of its legendary figures. However, for the man who once said, “Home run hitters drive Cadillacs, and singles hitters drive Fords,” Kiner’s legacy may differ depending on one’s age. For Pittsburghers of retirement age, Kiner will be remembered as the Hall of Fame slugger who clubbed most of his 369 career home runs as a Pirate, and was perhaps the organization’s only true transcendent superstar. For members of subsequent generations, he’ll be remembered as the charmingly tongue-twisted color commentator who sat in the New York Mets’ booth in 1962 and never left. But, as ESPN columnist and “Kinerisms” connoisseur Jayson Stark explains, the two sides of the legend are largely inseparable. “I don’t know if you can separate one from the other,” Stark said. “It’s just part of the legend. It all just weaves together.” “[Kiner] was one of the greatest home run hitters of all time,” New York Mets announcer Gary Cohen said. “He was a legitimate Hall of Famer with his playing career alone, but Ralph went so far beyond that.” While the late-1940s Pirates teams ranged from mediocre to downright

Ralph Kiner’s legend extended to the baseball diamond, the broadcast booth and beyond.

miserable, they were drawing record crowds who gathered to watch Kiner whack home runs. In 1927, the Pirates drew 869,720 fans as the team raced to a National League pennant. In 1947, Kiner’s second season, they drew 1,283,531 while finishing dead last. “People just waited there until he came up in the ninth inning,” Frank Thomas, Kiner’s former teammate with the Pirates, told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. “When they knew he

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was coming to bat they made it a point to stay.” Kiner led the National League in home runs for seven straight seasons from 1946 to 1952. He hit 54 home runs in 1949, which nearly eclipsed Hack Wilson’s then record 56 single season home runs. No National League player would surpass Kiner’s mark until Mark McGwire in 1998. Away from the diamond, Kiner was known to gallivant around town with

Bing Crosby. He escorted Elizabeth Taylor to a movie premiere and dated Hollywood starlet Janet Leigh. The coverage of his marriage to American tennis star Nancy Chaffee turned Pittsburgh newspapers into Hollywood gossip rags. Kiner was the highest paid player in baseball, making $100,000 for the Pirates in 1952, which prompted general manager Branch Rickey to trade SEE KINER, PAGE 7

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KINER, from PAGE 6 Kiner to the Cubs after famously stating, “We finished last with you, we can finish last without you.” Back injuries forced Kiner into early retirement soon after he left Pittsburgh and, after working as an announcer for the Chicago White Sox in 1961, he was hired by the New York Mets to join Lindsey Nelson and Bob Murphy on television and radio broadcasts. “Kiner was one of those people who made everyone around him feel special,” Cohen said. “He treated everyone around him the way they wanted to be treated and he became an essential part of New York sports as soon as he sat in the booth.” Although Kiner’s baseball knowledge was apparent during broad-

casts, his frequent malapropisms are what permanently endeared him to New York baseball fans. “I’ve never met a single New Yorker who didn’t love Ralph Kiner,” Stark, who regularly used Kiner’s quotes to add humor to his columns, said. “It’s amazing that Kiner and [Yankees commentator Phil] Rizzuto were both in town at the same time. They sent the language hurdling in direction that it had never been hurdled.” During Mets broadcasts, Kiner frequently mispronounced the names of players and personalities: Gary Carter became “Gary Cooper,” Vince Coleman became “Gary Coleman,” and his broadcast partner Tim McCarver became “Tim MacArthur.” He’d even mispronounce his own name – “Ralph Korner” or “Ron

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Kiner” – on occasion. When sending out a special greeting to fathers Kiner said, “On Father’s day, we again would like to wish you a happy birthday.” He once thought that the New York Yankees replaced their center fielder with John Fogerty after mistakenly consulting the scoreboard, which displayed the results for fan balloting to decide which song would get played over the PA system, for lineup information. Gary Cohen, who was first introduced to the Mets audience by Kiner as “David Cone,” said that Kiner’s greatest legacy might be his post-game show, “Kiner’s Korner,” which was adopted from the nickname Pirates fans gave to the shortened left field fence in Forbes Field. “It was your typical post game show, but players related to Ralph

better than they might have to me or another announcer,” Cohen said. “Nobody turned off Mets games if Ralph was doing the post-game show.” Jayson Stark described one of the most memorable “Kinerisms” he cited in his column: When Ralph Kiner invited three New York Mets wives – Edna Stengel, the late wife of former Mets manager Casey Stengel, and two other women whose names have long disappeared – onto an episode of “Kiner’s Korner” in the 1960s, he began by exchanging pleasantries. Kiner turned to the first wife and said, “You look very nice today. Did you have your hair done?” He said to the second wife, “You look very nice today. Is that a new dress you’re wearing?” Kiner then turned toward Edna Stengel and, although he was seemingly out of compliments, he bored onward. “You look very nice today, Mrs. Stengel,” Kiner stated. “What happened?” “[Quoting Kiner] wasn’t something I ever set out to do, but it became the most popular element of my column,” Stark said. “It got to the point where I was starting to feel bad, like I was picking on the guy. I talked to Tim McCarver. He said ‘Don’t worry about it. It’s part of Ralph’s legend and none of it bothers him at all.’” “People of an older generation will recall him as a player. To people my age and to New Yorkers, he’s an announcer,” Cohen said. “But, most of all, he’ll be remembered as a great guy.”

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • JULY 2014 7

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Mid-Season Report Card BY SAM FATULA Starting Pitching: C-

The starting rotation for the Pirates has definitely gone under some reconstruction. With the loss of AJ Burnett, the team lost one of their most dependable pitchers and allaround leader. They had to look to Francisco Liriano to be the ace and steer the ship. Liriano, who had a massive comeback season last year, has been a shell of his 2013 self. Before going on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle, his ERA stood at 4.60 with one win in 14 starts. The team’s record, however, is 7-7 in his starts. Gerrit Cole has emerged as a clear choice to be a number one starter on the mound this season. His 3.64 ERA is slightly higher than some would like, his strikeout power and competitiveness give him the look of an ace. Not many can throw 100 MPH on the gun and paint the corner like Cole can. Shoulder fatigue shelved him in June, but the Pirates expect him back on the mound relatively soon. His presence takes a load off of a struggling bullpen. The rest of the rotation has been up and down, and has had trouble pitching deep into games. Charlie Morton has been solid, taking a 3.47 ERA into late June, but Morton has been hurt by poor location and big innings. It remains to be seen whether Brandon Cumpton and Jeff Locke can carve out strong second halves.

Bullpen B-

In short, the Pirates bullpen, also known as “the shark tank,” has looked more like a school of minnows this season. The 1-2 combination of Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli, which was nearly invincible last year, has struggled this season. Melancon has held up his end, carrying a nifty 1.89 ERA and sterling 0.78 WHIP into late June. Melancon has allowed just 20 hits in 33 innings, and has

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struck out 20 while walking six. Grilli, however, lost his closer’s job and was traded to the Angels after blowing 4 of 15 save opportunities, struggling with location and hanging far too many sliders over the middle of the plate. The bullpen’s best asset so far has been lefty Tony Watson. His 41 strikeouts in 33 innings and 0.82 ERA have earned him the right to close out games in certain situations.

Offense B

As a team, the Pirates’ offense clearly has very strong points. The top of the lineup might be as dangerous as any team in the National League, depending on Starling Marte’s ability to work the count that day. Aside from Marte’s disappointing start, outfield has begun to look like the “dream outfield” so many talked about before the Gregory Polanco era took effect. It only took a handful of games to see that

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Polanco was the real deal, and his arrival seemed to spark Marte. Andrew McCutchen, of course, is on the verge of another MVP season. His June stats were like something out of a video game. The rest of the lineup gets slightly more interesting. Josh Harrison has proved to everyone that he deserves to be an everyday player. Neil Walker is a top hitting second baseman in the National League when he’s durable. He is currently having the best season of his career.

Pedro Alvarez, meanwhile, still battles with the Mendoza line against lefthanded pitching. His power is legitimate, as lethal as Willie Stargell when he barrels up. It has always taken Alvarez a while to heat up, so it’s more than likely he’ll have a much better second half. Defense B

The Pirates arguably have the best defensive outfield in the National League right now. Polanco, Marte and McCutchen can track down almost

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every fly ball and all three have better than average arms. It’s tough to hit one in the gap when any of them can come flying out of nowhere. Polanco is still learning to play right field and his inexperience has proven costly at times, but the team is confident he’ll improve. The infield is a different story, with Alvarez leading the league in errors at third base and Jordy Mercer a below average defensive shortstop. The right side of the infield is solid, and Russell Martin is once again one of the more consistent catchers in the league.

Bench B+

The Pirates’ bench has been heavily relied on this year and has delivered. Prior to Harrison becoming a starter, he was one of the best utility men in the National League. Gaby Sanchez has surprisingly become a go-to pinch hitter in certain situations, hitting .346 in that respect this season. Whenever the outfield needs a rest, they have Travis Snider and José Tabata waiting in the wings. Both have been productive pinch-hitters and they give the Pirates flexibility in a long season.

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Under the Radar BY TONY DEFAZIO

Former prospects Starling Marte, Gerrit Cole and Gregory Polanco each made their much anticipated Pirates debuts over the past three years, and the organization is hopeful pitcher Jameson Taillon recovers from Tommy John surgery in time to do the same next season. Beyond Taillon, pitching prospects like Nick Kingham and Taylor Glasnow and position players like Alen Hanson, Josh Bell, Austin Meadows and Reese McGuire are all names fans have become familiar with. Here are three more names—one at each level of the minors—that are not as recognizable, but may still wind up on the big league roster someday. AJ Morris, RHP, Indianapolis

Morris is 27-year old righty who had never pitched above double-A until last month, when he made his debut at Indianapolis. He pitched six innings and allowed two runs in his debut, then followed that up with a complete game shutout in his next start. Morris was excellent at Altoona earlier this season, posting a 5-1 record and 1.64 ERA over 13 games (8 starts). A fourth-round pick of the Nationals out of Kansas State in 2009, Morris finished second to Stephen Strasburg for the 2009 Golden Spikes Award. Shoulder surgery caused him to miss the entire 2011 season. While he's not a top-tier prospect like Taillon, Kingham or Glasnow, it's not

unreasonable to imagine Morris in a Pirates uniform later this year or next, making a spot-start or pitching in long relief. Adrian Sampson, RHP, Altoona

The Pirates drafted Sampson in the fifth round out of Bellevue Junior College in 2012. A 6-3, 200-pounder with a fastball in the low-mid 90's and a solid breaking ball, Sampson added a change-up to his repertoire and has taken a huge step forward in his development. Sampson went directly from the short-season New York Penn League to high-A Bradenton last year, where he struggled mightily (177 hits in 141 innings, 5.14 ERA). The organization took a sink or swim

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approach with him this year, promoting him to double-A Altoona and he responded. Sampson posted a 4-3 record, 2.00 ERA and 1.06 WHIP through his first 13 starts. If Sampson can cut down on the walks, he could wind up in triple-A before the season is over. He has a higher ceiling than Morris and projects as a middle-of-the-rotation guy if he continues to improve. Erich Weiss, 2B, West Virginia

Weiss, whose father Gary played for the Dodgers in the early 1980's, was the Pirates 11th-round draft pick last summer following a successful career for the Texas Longhorns. After an offensive dip during his final season at Texas, Weiss hit .273 in the

short-season New York Penn League last summer. A line-drive hitter with good speed, Weiss took a major step forward this year, hitting .311 with 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases and earning a spot on the South Atlantic League All-Star team. Drafted as a third baseman, Weiss moved to second base this season, which is a better fit given his lack of power. He has adjusted extremely well to the move. "It looks like he's done it before and anytime you can say that about a player it shows you how well he's doing," said West Virginia manager Mike Ryan about Weiss's move to second. "He's done very well turning double plays, his exchange, his footwork around the bases."

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Position Battles BY JEREMY TEPPER

With Steelers training camp starting July 25th, there are several position battles to keep an eye on. Notably, starting spots are up for grabs at receiver, left tackle, defensive end, inside linebacker and possibly even cornerback. Here’s a look at the competitors at each spot. WIDE RECEIVER

With the departures of Emmanuel Sanders to the Broncos and Jerricho Cotchery to the Panthers, the spot opposite to Antonio Brown is wide open. Coming off a disappointing and injury plagued rookie campaign, Markus Wheaton is the top competitor for the spot. Wheaton appeared in 12 games last year, catching just 6 passes for 64 yards. He missed four games with a hand injury, on which he had surgery on this offseason. The 5’11” Wheaton is fast and shifty. With a year in the system, his main improvements need to come in his hands and route running. Wheaton’s competition comes in rookie Martavis Bryant of Clemson. Bryant possesses great physical tools, standing at 6’4’’, with excellent speed (4.42 40 at the combine). However, Bryant’s hands are extremely inconsistent and his route running is raw and stiff. Besides Bryant, the other top candidate is free agent signee Lance Moore. Although Moore is a more viable candidate than Bryant, the team likely prefers for him to start at slot receiver, similar to the role Cotchery played last year.

Projected Starter: Wheaton Second Option: Moore Dark Horse Scenario: Bryant is too raw

right now, but his ceiling is high and if he progresses quickly, he could eventually win the job. Veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey has all the tools but hasn’t lived up to his potential during stints with the Raiders and Colts. Secondyear man Justin Brown was one of the surprise stars of OTAs. LEFT TACKLE

This spot is Kelvin Beachum going into training camp, but it’s certainly possible that change as the exhibition

season unfolds. The Steelers offense greatly improved during the second half of last season, and the offensive line was a huge factor. Beachum was a substantial part of the improvement, using his athleticism, savvy and physicality to his advantage. Mike Adams is Beachum’s main competitor. At 6’7” 323 lbs., Adams provides ideal size for the position and still has the most potential of anyone on the roster. Adams, heading into his third season, hasn’t shown the necessary technique or strength to be a quality starter, though. During an interview with NEPA Sports Radio, offensive line

coach Mike Munchak declared, “[Kelvin] Beachum and [Marcus] Gilbert are our two tackles.” Projected Starter: Beachum Second Option: Adams Dark Horses Scenario: Gilbert is much

better on the right side, but Tomlin has been known to switch tackles in the past and the team will do what is necessary to get their best two on the field together. DEFENSIVE END

Who will start opposite Cameron Heyward? Second round pick Stephon

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Tuitt of Notre Dame is easily the most talented competitor. At 6’ 5”, Tuitt is a big end, though he possesses great quickness and athleticism for his size. The Steelers signed veteran Cam Thomas over the offseason, and he’s Tuitt’s main competitor. During his four-year career with the Chargers, the 330-pound Thomas mostly played nose tackle, but the Steelers stated they plan to use him at defensive end. Projected Starter: Thomas Second Option: Tuitt Dark Horse Scenario: If Thomas or rookie

Daniel McCullers shows the ability to man the middle of the line, it’s possible that nose tackle Steve McLendon could move to end, where he may be better suited.

INSIDE LINEBACKER

The Steelers don’t typically like to start rookies, though first round pick Ryan Shazier appears to be an exception. Shazier, who runs a sub 4.4 40yard dash, is a tremendous physical talent who will become one of the fastest linebackers in the NFL. Along with his speed, Shazier is a sure tackler with great instincts and the ability to effectively drop back in coverage. Vince Williams started 11 games last year after Larry Foote got injured, and he’s Shazier’s central competitor. Williams started out of necessity, and though he held his own, he didn’t show much in the way of star potential. He has the experience and knows the defense, but can that trump Shazier’s pure talent?

Projected Starter: Shazier Second Option: Williams Dark Horse Scenario: Former third-round

pick Sean Spence is still working to overcome a career-threatening injury suffered two years ago, but has worked his way back onto the field.

nickel corner during his career, Gay could compete for the spot opposite Allen. Gay has gotten a lot of flack from Steelers’ fans throughout his career, but he’s solid against the run and in nickel packages. But therein lies the problem. Can Gay handle the responsibility of a starter?

CORNERBACK

Cortez Allen is probably the Steelers’ new No. 1 corner, having passed veteran Ike Taylor. The second spot, in fact, could be up for grabs between Taylor and William Gay. At 34 years old and coming off the worst season of his career, there are questions if Taylor can start anymore. The veteran appeared to lose a step, as he was routinely beaten by his opposition last year. Though he’s been predominantly a

Projected Starter: Taylor Second Option: Gay Dark Hose Scenario: Veteran Brice Mc-

Cain, second-year player Antwon Blake and rookie Shaquille Richardson of Arizona provide the team with bodies in case Taylor’s level of play has dropped off significantly.

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M W Stats C Playoff ORE

ILD

Lion vs. Lion

ARDS

BY RYAN BERTONASCHI

MIKE ADAMS, OT

Adams has yet to live up to the expectations raised by his secondround selection in 2012. The Steelers hope newly-hired offensive line coach Mike Munchak can bring out the massive potential in the massive Adams. CAM THOMAS, DL

The 6-4, 330-pound Thomas can play both nose or end in a 34, but if he is able to nail down the nose tackle position, it would allow Steve McLendon move to the outside and give the Steelers more depth along the line. SEAN SPENCE, LB

At appeared as though Spence’s career was over after a gruesome knee injury in 2012, but after participating in the team’s OTA workouts last month, Spence’s presence could change things at linebacker. IKE TAYLOR, CB

The 34-year-old Taylor must return to form this season, as the Steelers options behind him and Cortez Allen as starters are William Gay, Antwon Blake, Brice McCain or fifth-round rookie Shaquille Richardson.

Quick. Fill in the blank: The Steelers’ current receiving corps is __________. Deep? Bottom-heavy? Talented yet unproven? However you choose to word it, the Steelers depth chart at receiver is one of the team’s most unsettled as training camp looms. Antonio Brown, second among NFL receivers with 1,499 yards in 2013, is Ben Roethlisberger’s top target. Since organized team activities (OTAs) began in May, second-year man Markus Wheaton has appeared to Former Penn State Teammates Derek Moye take the lead for the spot opposite Brown, and it’s probable that veteran and Justin Brown are battling for a roster spot Lance Moore will edge out rookie been playing three spots at receiver... “D,” Brown said. “That’s my boy.” speedster Dri Archer for the slot role. Moye’s tenure at Penn State ended I’m excited for him to keep growing.” After that, former Raiders first-round before the Jerry Sandusky scandal beAt 6’3”, 210, Brown could be utilized pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and rookie came public in 2011, but Brown wasn’t on special teams, a factor that makes up Martavis Bryant seem to be duking it as lucky. Turned off by the frenzy that for the 6’5” Moye’s height advantage. out for the fourth and fifth spots. And followed, Brown, a rising senior at the Brown spent his entire rookie season for the second-straight summer, former time, packed his bags and transferred to on the practice squad, while Moye Penn State teammates Justin Brown Oklahoma. He was granted two un- played sparingly but caught a touchand Derek Moye will battle for a job. passable opportunities in Norman: im- down pass in a loss to the Bengals. “They’ve put in a lot of work this off- mediate eligibility and the chance to “I think Derek has to play his way season,” Roethlisberger said of Brown play with star quarterback Landry onto the team again,” Steelers receivers and Moye. “I think both those guys Jones, now also with the Steelers. coach Richard Mann said. “That’s the have done a great job.” During the offseason, Roethlisberger way it is. He knows that. He is doing The duo seems to be enjoying the took Brown and Moye on a trip to Cal- really well. He’s a guy that has made challenge. They played two seasons to- ifornia, where the group worked out to- steady improvement from the time I gether under Joe Paterno at Penn State, gether and got to know each other. came here to the present.” and their relationship is in-part responMann sees plenty of improvement in Perhaps the relationship-building has sible for Brown’s commitment to the paid off. Both receivers opened eyes in Brown as well. Nittany Lions. During Brown’s senior OTAs and mini-camp. “He doesn’t really look like the same year of high school in 2009, Moye “Justin has been getting a lot of reps,” guy,” Mann said. “He’s made a transishowed Brown around campus on his Roethlisberger said. “I’m really proud of tion. He’s very confident.” official visit to Happy Valley. the way Justin has been playing. He’s

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Not Enough Hart

CLOSE BUT NO HARDWARE Sidney Crosby won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player in 2007 and again this past season. He's finished in the top six three times and was on his way to winning the trophy before concussions felled him in 2011.

2009 Winner:

Alexander Ovechkin Crosby: sixth place with 77 games, 33 goals, 70 assists (103 points) 2010 Winner: Hanrik Sedin

Crosby: third place with 81 games, 51 goals, 58 assists (109 points) 2011 Winner: Corey Perry

Crosby: 20th place with 41 games, 32 goals, 34 assists (66 points)* *Concussions shortened Crosby's 2010-11 season and nearly all of the 2011-12 season, and threatened his career 2012-13 winner:

Alexander Ovechkin Crosby: second place with 36 games, 15 goals, 41 assists (56 points)

BY MATT JACOBS

Sidney Crosby evades the question as adeptly as he splits a pair of defensemen on an end-to-end rush. How is it possible that the most supremely talented hockey player on the planet for the better part of the last decade had won the Hart Trophy, given annually to the league’s most valuable player, just once prior to this year’s NHL Awards? The question is guaranteed to stir up spirited debate. Just don’t ask Crosby. All you’ll get is a half-smirk and a call for “next question, please.” There’s no shortage of theories. Some cite a litany of serious injuries throughout Crosby’s career that have derailed some of his best seasons. Others point to pervasive media criticism that contends Crosby can easily be knocked off his game, particularly in the playoffs, and that he spends far too much time yapping and complaining. KID YOU NOT

Be honest. If someone had asked you prior to last season how many Hart trophies Crosby had won, what would you have guessed? Two? Three? Four? It’s a common misconception. Crosby was one of the most highly touted prospects in NHL history when the Penguins took him first overall in 2005. He won his first scoring title in just his second season, becoming the youngest player and the only teenager to accomplish that feat in any North American major sports league.

Yet, going into his ninth season, Crosby’s only MVP came in 06-07. Unquestionably, injuries have played a pivotal role. Crosby participated in just 53 games in 2007-08, largely because of a high ankle sprain. He missed most of 2010-11 and 2011-12 after being diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. During the lockout season of 201213, he missed the final 12 regularseason games after an errant slap shot shattered his jaw. Crosby has been a finalist for the Hart four times. He finished third in 2009-10 despite tying for the NHL goal-scoring lead and finishing second in points. Crosby was eclipsed by Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin last year even though he equaled him in points despite playing 12 fewer games. “If I’m not mistaken, Ovechkin had a great late run,” said Penguins broadcasting legend Mike Lange. “They’re human, the people that make those decisions. That probably overshadowed the overall picture of it.” Lange is referring to members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, who vote on the Hart. CRYING GAME?

Some members of the broadcast media have painted a picture of Crosby as a chronic whiner and complainer. NBC hockey analysts Mike Milbury, Keith Jones and Jeremy Roenick were vociferous in their criticism of Crosby during the postseason for getting in scrums and haggling with officials.

“(Crosby’s) an easy target,” said Penguins radio analyst Phil Bourque. “You can go back over 20 years. I think that Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick have a dislike for the Pittsburgh Penguins going back to when they were coaches or players. So I don’t put a lot of weight… they are national broadcasters, at the end of the day, and a lot of people listen to their voice.” Is it possible this image of Crosby has had an adverse effect when it comes to voting for the Hart? “Last year was an injustice. I couldn’t believe Ovie won,” said Sam Carchidi, Flyers beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer. “He was invisible early that year. That was a joke. “This should be (Crosby’s) third win, not his second... Crosby plays great defense, sets up a ton of goals. Look at Ovechkin (-35) this year. Crosby got the shaft that year.”

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PSR’s NHL Awards BY ANDREW CHOYNOWSKI Hart Memorial Trophy: player most valuable to his team Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby already picked up his second Art Ross trophy after scoring an impressive 104 points this season. The performance he put up to win the Art Ross is also why Crosby is PSR’s MVP. Pittsburgh’s captain led the league with 68 assists, adding 36 goals, as he led the Penguins to the Metropolitan Division crown. Out of the 80 games he played he put up at least one point in 60 of them, had 30 multi-point games, and never went more than two consecutive games without registering a point. Vezina Trophy: best goalkeeper Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins.

Rask posted a record of 36-15-6 and was fifth overall in wins amongst goalies. He allowed two goals or fewer in 37 of his 58 starts and helped the Bruins claim their first President’s trophy since 1990. Rask finished in the top five in each of the NHL’s most important statistical categories for goalies: first in shutouts (7), second in save percentage (.930), fourth in goals against average (2.04), and fifth in wins (36). Calder Memorial Trophy: most proficient player in his first year of competition Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche

It’s hard not to give MacKinnon rookie of the year honors with the resume he put together this season. MacKinnon lead all rookies in points (63), assists (39), power-play goals (8)

and shots (241). He was tied for the lead in goals (24) and game-winning goals (5). The first overall pick in 2013 also broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for a single-season point streak by a player age 18 or younger (12 games).

also landed in the top ten among defensemen in plus/minus with a +22 on the season.

James Norris Memorial Trophy: defense player with greatest all-round ability Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

Roy led the Avalanche to a third place finish in the overall league standings with a record of 52-22-8 (112 points) in his rookie year as coach. Colorado—29th in the league in the 2012-13—became the first team go to from the bottom three to the top three in the league in a single season since 1971. Under Roy, the club matched their franchise record for wins, boasted the best road record in the league (26-11-4), and didn’t

Keith led all defenseman in the league with 55 assists and was second in points with 61. He had an eightgame point streak from Nov. 19-Dec. 3 and recorded his 40th assist in his 46th game, becoming the fastest player to do so in Blackhawks history. Keith led the team in ice time for a ninth consecutive season, averaging 24:38 per game. He

Jack Adams Award: coach who contributed the most to his team's success Patrick Roy, Colorado Avalanche

lose once in regulation when leading after two periods. Frank J. Selke Trophy: best defensive forward Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings.

Kopitar was a workhorse, playing all 82 games and finishing second in ice time among all forwards with 1,712:42. The Kings allowed a league-low 2.05 goals per game, due in part to Kopitar’s work ethic and determination on the ice. Kopitar logged the most shorthanded time among the league’s top 30 scorers with 164:53. He recorded a career-best +34 rating, fourth overall in the league, and won 53.3 percent of his face-offs.

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What They’re Saying “He built a Cup winner in Carolina in 2006, but the Hurricanes haven’t made the playoffs since '09. He has lots to work with in Pittsburgh, starting with the world’s best player, Sidney Crosby, yet there is also lots of work to do.” - Scott Burnside, Hockey writer for ESPN.com

“The Penguins fired a smart man in Ray Shero and replaced him with a worn out old tire in Rutherford, whose Carolina Hurricanes teams missed the playoffs the final five seasons on his watch, seven of the previous eight and nine of the last 11.” - Adrian Dater, NHL writer for The Denver Post

“He’s a proven commodity, for one, while the others haven’t had the big chair before. And if there’s anything about Carolina’s teams for which Penguins fans might cast an envious eye, it’s that they have the pain-in-thebackside tenacity at forward that the Penguins lacked in the lower six in a significant way.” - Greg Wyshynski, Puck Daddy

“One can also see some shared dogma between Rutherford and Penguins owner Mario Lemieux. He championed rules that allowed stars like Mario to shine without obstruction.” - Wyshynski

“Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is a disaster on a level that makes it hard to select adjectives to properly convey

Voices from around the league weight in on Pens new GM Jim Rutherford how dangerous to the stability of the franchise he’s become.” - Michael Peckerar, Carolina Hurricanes writer for RantSports.com, in early 2014

“It seems folly to let the last few peakperformance years of Crosby and Malkin's careers be run by a guy with such a long history of repeated and demonstrable failure.” - Ryan Lambert, Deadspin/Puck Daddy

“Rutherford is a hot mess and has consistently made awful decisions, punctuated by a stroke of good luck. Those strokes have become fewer and further between.” - Peckerar “Rutherford is a fairly safe, uninspiring choice — at least initially. That's no real knock on him; he's just been in the game too long to be all that interesting a hire.” - Sean Gentille, The Sporting News

“One of the most respected minds in hockey. He's a true gentleman... He knows the business of winning.” - Burnside

“Mario Lemieux's ownership group messed up on this one.” - Dater

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An Unbreakable Bond New book tells the story of the remarkable friendship between Maurice Stokes and Jack Twyman BY MALLORY MERDA

In Dr. Pat Farabaugh’s book, “An Unbreakable Bond,” he tells the unedited story of Pittsburgh native and St. Francis (PA) grad Maurice Stokes and his NBA teammate Jack Twyman. In 1958, while playing for the Cincinnati Royals, Stokes’ life changed forever after a fall during a game against the Detroit Pistons left him paralyzed from the neck down. Twyman—one of the best players in the NBA at the time— stepped in to help his teammate. Twyman became Stokes’ legal guardian. He assumed all responsibility of Stokes’ medical expenses in one of the most inspiring stories of companionship ever documented. “I had worked as a sports information director at St. Francis,” said Farabaugh. “During that time, in 2001, we had retired Stokes’ jersey, and then in 2004 Stokes was inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. “I really wanted to take on the project because it was just a great story. It had gotten a lot of coverage in the newspaper, on television, and on the radio, but no one had ever written a book,” he continued. “You have some stories that you know people will be interested in and this had race relations, fellowship, humanitarianism, and two great players.” Farabaugh’s journey to write the book was inspired by Stokes’ struggle and Twyman’s helping hand. “I love basketball, I love to write, and I love St. Francis. With all three factors

coming together, I just felt it would be a great story,” Farabaugh said. “Stokes had everything in front of him. He was a rookie of the year, his first season in the league, three-time all-star, and then just like that, in a second, his whole life changes. Father Vince (Negherbon, President of St. Francis during Stokes’ college career), my good friend and committee partner, knew Stokes and would have wanted to see this story told, and that’s also why I dedicated [the book] to him.” The many upbeat stories in the book can be overshadowed at times by the heart-wrenching and tough struggles for the pair. Farabaugh insisted on keeping the various struggles as close to reality as possible. “Doing research, I wanted to tell the story like it was,” he said. “I knew I didn’t want to sugar coat or gloss anything over.” The two individuals and their story inspired Farabaugh as he worked through the project. “There were moments where I immersed myself in this story and the two things that are most amazing to me are, with two guys in their mid-twenties, Twyman is just starting a family and he takes on [the situation with Stokes’ fall] and makes him an extended part of his family,” Farabaugh said. “The fact that [Twyman] took this on in his mid-twenties, that just amazes me.” Farabaugh wants to take the inspiration he received from the duo and pass it on to student athletes at St. Francis. “Student athletes who come to St.

20 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • JULY 2014

Francis in the fall all get a ‘Be That Someone’ t-shirt,” he said. “What that means is become that someone like Jack Twyman, to help somebody, and when you see someone who is sitting alone in the cafeteria, or a teammate is going through a rough time, become that someone for that person.”

To order “An Unbreakable Bond,” contact Dr. Farabaugh at 814-341-4678. It is also available for purchase at Bradley's Book Outlet locations in Station Square, the downtown Pittsburgh Macy's store, and at Amazing Books on Liberty Avenue.

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Big 12 or Big Mistake

TRENDING DOWN

BY SAMUEL FATULA

For a long time, West Virginia University athletics existed as a very Big Fish in a small Big East pond. The always-entertaining “Backyard Brawl” between WVU and Pitt brought fan and media attention on an annual basis, arguably becoming one of the best rivalries in the eastern region. Their basketball squad, led by coach Bob Huggins, was a consistent a topfive team in one of the toughest conferences in the country, reaching the Final Four in 2010. Clearly, Big East was as sinking ship and longtime members Pitt, Syracuse and Louisville bailed for the ACC, while Rutgers escaped to the Big Ten. WVU was also running for cover, but their decision to move to the Big 12 Conference happened so suddenly that before anyone realized, the pond the Mountaineers were swimming in was bigger and deeper than perhaps even they anticipated. Since the move nearly two years ago, WVU football and basketball have struggled, to say the least. The only spots the football and basketball teams are contending for nowadays are somewhere in the middle of the pack with unimpressive records. WVU basketball won 214 games over their final decade in the Big East, reaching the Final Four in 2010. They are 30-35 overall and 15-23 in the conference since joining the Big 12. Basketball coach Bob Huggins sat down with PSR last year to discuss some of the issues the team was having in the Big 12. “I think it was really the style of play,” Huggins said. “I think the style of play was a lot different than what

WVU Basketball Last Decade in the Big East:

214-116 overall, 84-76 in the conference with 12 NCAA wins in seven appearances and a Final Four in 2010, plus an NIT Championship in 2007 First Two Years in Big 12

30-35 overall, 15-23 in the conference, no NCAA appearances and a loss in their only postseason game we expected. Style of play was so much different than the Big East. The officiating was much different than in the Big East. And then yes, obviously the travel was so much different.” Twice in their first season in the Big 12, WVU left Morgantown on Friday to play a Saturday game. They flew home on Sunday, practiced Monday and flew out again on Tuesday for a Wednesday game. The travel has clearly impacted the team's performance. In the past two seasons, their away record stands at 6-18, much different than their 1612 home performances. The issues are just as clear on the gridiron. The football team had an unpredented decade-long run in the Big East, winning 95 games over their final 10 years, including a 70-20

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record their last seven seasons. The Mountaineers are 11-14 since joining the Big 12, posting an abysmil 6-12 record in conference play. While it's far too early to make any final judgments on the marriage of West Virgina to the Big 12, the experiment is already being viewed sceptically by many, "It’s a case study for the potential buyer’s remorse that may set in for several leagues and several schools in the future," wrote blogger John Pennington last year. Leaving the Big East was not neccesarily the Mountaineers' error. Forcing a quick exit and not scouting a safe landing spot, however, may have been. It's been costly so far, and unless rapid improvement is shown, the Big 12 may turn out to be West Virginia's big mistake.

WVU Football Last Decade in the Big East

95-33 overall, 53-16 in conference First Two Years in Big 12

11-14 overall, 6-12 in conference

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • JULY 2014 21

Sterling Recruit Baldwin’s Jenkins a Big Time Score for Penn State BY JEREMY TEPPER

It’s an odd thought for Sterling Jenkins. It’s still a year away, but after he finishes his senior year at Baldwin High School, he’ll be playing college football at Penn State. “The idea that now that I’ll be doing what I’ve been watching the past few years, it’s really something special for me and I think it puts a lot of things in perspective. I’m really thankful for it,” Jenkins said. Coming from a family that didn’t focus on sports, it’s a surprising idea. But one look at Jenkins wipes away any confusion. Standing at 6’9’’, 308 lbs., Jenkins is a physical specimen. It’s this size, along with surprising athleticism, that allowed Jenkins to garner scholarship offers from the likes of Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan and Georgia, among others. “The sky is the limit for his potential,” Baldwin football head coach Pete Wagner said. “He’s a very flexible, very athletic kid and you don’t see that much with an individual his size.” For someone with Jenkins’ physical gifts, it would seem obvious that Jenkins was headed for a football career. But that wasn’t the case. Before his freshman year at Baldwin, Jenkins had never played a full season of football, only dabbling in middle school. Until high school, Jenkins was more focused on basketball. Once that focus shifted to football,

Jenkins’ work ethic greatly aided his rapid improvement. “He’s a very cerebral type kid that loves to work. He’s very involved in our offseason program and setting individual goals,” Wagner said. “He’s probably one of the most competitive kids we have in the weight room.” In the spring of his sophomore year, Jenkins’ hard work started to pay off. His performance at a Rivals camp at Montour high school grabbed the attention of a number of college recruiters. “There were times when he was reaching out to 40, 50 new people a week and they’re all giving him their spiel on their colleges,” Wagner says. Jenkins admits that phone calls and texts overwhelmed him at times. Despite that, he relished the opportunity. “At times it got a little hectic. But it’s a good problem to have,” Jenkins said. It’s better that than not having anybody call you during contact periods or not having any schools looking at you.” He also became a bit of celebrity around town. “When he walks the halls he’s always kissing babies, shaking hands. You can ask any of his teachers and they can’t say enough about him,” Wagner said. As the recruiting process persisted, Jenkins put a heavy focus on relationships. Penn State and Ohio State rose to the top. He chose Penn State due to his re-

22 22PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGHSPORTS SPORTSREPORT REPORT • JULY • JULY MAY 2014 2014 2014

lationship with the coaches, the support base they exhibited, and their location being not too close, but not too far from home. Ohio State showed the same qualities, but Penn State showed them in spades. As Jenkins counts down the days until Penn State, he’s working hard on becoming more consistent and improving his technique. “He still needs to progress on the football field in regards to his development,” Wagner said. “He understands that and he’s realistic as to where he is now and that keeps him

hungry in regards to where he wants to be.” When Jenkins gets to Penn State, he has clear goals in mind. He wants to learn from current left tackle Donovan Smith, and then vie for his position. “His expectation is to come in and compete right away, whether that’s for scout team reps, backup reps, first team,” Wagner said. “Whatever that is, he’s going to put his best foot forward.”

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“They’re some of the best in the field — and they help keep us on it.” — Neil Walker

Pittsburgh Legends and a chronic bad back to deliver two Stanley Cups to Pittsburgh. Lemieux won six scoring titles and three Hart Trophies as league MVP. Lemieux's arrival in Pittsburgh kept the team in the city, and his work as an owner did the very same thing years later. His influence on hockey in Pittsburgh cannot be overstated, as he is widely credited with being the reason youth hockey has flourished in western PA.

There’s nothing like being on a great team. We’re proud to take the field with Neil Walker as the OfficialMedical Provider of the Pittsburgh Pirates. All year long, we’ll be there with the best in sports medicine care — including physical therapy, speed and agility training, surgery and rehab, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, concussion prevention and more. All from doctors and specialists who utilize the most modern techniques, treatments and technology. We’re there for the Pirates, and we’re here for you, too. With the same nationally renowned care that’s designed to keep you at the top of your game.

Sports Medicine

Chuck Noll, Steelers, 1969-1992 BY TONY DEFAZIO

Pittsburgh is city full of sports heroes and legendary figures. This issue of PSR details a few, from the late Ralph Kiner and Maurice Stokes, to current Pirates broadcaster Steve Blass. The list of Pittsburgh sports legends is long, but it begins with these four: Roberto Clemente Pirates, 1955-1972

One of the greatest players to ever wear a Pirates uniform, Clemente was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove recipient, four-time batting champ, two-time World Series winner and a member of the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. Beyond his fabled career, Clemente is forever burned into Pittsburgh sports mythology due to his tragic—and heroic—death in 1972, perishing in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Mario Lemieux Penguins, 1984-1997, 2000-2006

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Lemieux was undoubtedly the greatest player in Penguins history, a Hall of Famer who overcame cancer

Noll turned the Steelers from laughing stock to world champions in just a few short years. The Hall of Fame coach built one of the greatest dynasties the NFL has ever seen, guiding the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in six years. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993, Noll compiled a career record of 209–156–1, regular season and postseason combined. He is still the only coach to win four Super Bowls. Noll passed away last month at his home in Pittsburgh. Arnold Palmer, Golfer, 1954-2006

The Latrobe native was one of golf's greatest players, winning 62 PGA Tour events (5th all time), seven major championships and 10 Champions Tour events. His rivalry with Jack Nicklaus was one of the greatest in golf history. Palmer was perhaps the most important golfer of all time, as he was the sports' first star of the television age. His plain-spoken popularity made the sport popular among working class Americans and turned him into one of the most famous athletes in the world.

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