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MUAY THAI Results from the Weekend and available OnDemand

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments

Battle at Ballys – Take on Productions

Click here to watch this event on GoFightLive!

TaKe On Productions presented Battle at Bally’s from the Bally’s Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the organization’s first full rules Muay Thai event. The pro/am card had 12 bouts highlighted by the main event and co-main event.

In the headlining fight, a clash between Philadelphia and New York, it was Justin “The Purple People Eater” Greskiewicz (Philadelphia) defeating Eddie Martinez (New York) via split decision in a razor thin fight. The action started right from the opening bell as the two combatants worked the clinch for most of Roun1. They both landed stiff elbows and knees making it a pretty even round. Later in the fight, Greskiewicz started to find a rhythm with his kicks as he was successful in keeping Martinez at a distance. For Martinez, at times he was the aggressor, but rarely found his punching range as Greskiewicz was very accurate with his leg attacks. The bout ended in great fashion with both men throwing everything but the kitchen sink at their opponent. Bloodied and bruised, both combatants can be proud of their performance as it was fight of the night.

In the co-main event, Nick Vaughan defeated Jessie Cronier via TKO in Round 2. It was a back and forth contest similar to the main event, until the end. Vaughan was relentless in his attack and once Cronier was hurt Vaughan finished the fight with several hard elbows and punches. In winning the bout, Vaughan also becomes the first TaKe On Amateur Championship.

TaKe On Productions – Battle at Bally’s had several exciting fights, highlighted by a main event and co-main event that had full rules Muay Thai. The crowd was packed and jazzed up for this event and showed why Muay Thai is quickly becoming the #1 combative striking sport in the world. With no lulls in action, fans were treated to over two hours of bone cracking, teeth rattling Muay Thai. The only way to see this loaded 12-bout card is to order it now on GFLOnDemand, exclusively at GFL.tv. Order now!For full fight card and more details about this event, visit gfl.tv or click here

 

M-One Grand Muay Thai Championship

Click here to watch this event on GoFightLive!

Muay Thai is back as M-One Grand Muay Thai presented USA VS Thailand to a rabid crowd in Los Angeles, California. The pro/am card featured 9 total bouts with 6 knockouts including ALL of the pro bouts. It was a thrilling night of fights as high level striking was on display all night, with blistering kicks, punches, knees and elbows doing damage at every turn.

In the main event, Sakkedao Petchpayathai defeated Kevin Ross via TKO (doctor stoppage) in Round 3. Ross won the first round as he was the aggressor and landed the more punishing strikes. In Round 2, Sakkedao begin to find his rhythm and land strikes of his own which only seemed to encourage Ross into throwing and landing too. It was a great back and forth round. In Round 3, Sakkedao pushed the pace even more, sensing Ross was ripe for the picking and landed a brutal elbow that opened up a cut on Ross’ head. Ross pressed on but as the round ended the doctor took one look and called a halt to the fight giving Sakkedao the victory on a great fight up to that point. Sakkedao won the interim WBC Muay Thai World Super Lightweight Title with the victory which will probably set up a bout with current champion Fabia Pinca down the line at a future M-One event.

In the co-main event, Joe Schilling defeated Kaoklai Kaennorsing via KO in Round 1. Seconds into the bout, Schilling knocked Kaoklai down with a stiff punch and then did the same thing seconds after Kaoklai returned to his feet. With already two knockdowns to his credit, Schilling was like a shark that smells blood as he continues his attack. After a few elbows and knees in the clinch, Schilling landed the final punch of the fight, a right hand that sent Kaoklai to the canvas for the third and final time. With his victory, Schilling wins the interim WBC Muay Thai World Light Heavyweight Title.

The only way to watch this thrilling 9-bout card with great knockouts, is to order it exclusively through the GFL Combat Sports Network at GFL.tv. Be sure to catch all of the action on GFLOnDemand as M-One Grand Muay Thai presents USA VS Thailand. Order now!For full fight card and more details about this event, visit gfl.tv or click here

 

OMAA International Muay Thai Fight Night

A night like no other comes to Oxford on October 22nd 2011. 16 Muay Thai fighters from across the globe consisting of 8 Defenders and 8 Opponents battle in the ring for the winning titles.

The fight is organised by Oxford Martial Arts Academy (OMAA) which is the UK’s leading martial arts academy with over 6,500 square foot of dedicated matted area, over 60 martial arts classes per week, the only Olympic size Boxing ring in Oxford and the only 28ft Cage in the UK!

Muay Thai is one of the oldest and most exciting Martial Arts known for being a favourite in Jean Claude Van Damme Films such as Kickboxer and popularised through games such as Street-fighter and Tekken. Muay Thai is full contact with no protective head gear or clothing is worn and fighters can use punches, kicks, knees and even their elbows to win bouts.

The final two fights are both for England v Thailand but spilt into Adult & Junior categories. The England Junior representative Daniel Mc Gowan is just 15 years old and the youngest person ever in history to have a Thai National flow over to contend him.

This is the first time such a high level fight has been brought to Oxfordshire with the founders of OMAA, Vahram Papazyan & Tihomir Lalic spending over 25,000 pounds on producing the evening.

“We started out with a little room just for us to train in, now we’re hosting International fights! These fighters are ones to watch out for” said Vahram, a keen wrestler and sportsman.

The family friendly evening will host six fights, starting with British fighters battling it out for Southern Area fights, moving onto to European Titles from Denmark, Sweden, England & Ireland with the Ultimate World Title Fight of Thailand v England – which is split into Adult and Junior bouts.Click here to watch this event on GoFightLive!

For full fight card and more details about this event, visit gfl.tv or click here

 

Molina: Why is Cintron Fighting Alvarez? I Beat Cintron!

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments

Warriors Logo


 

Carlos Molina tries to stay calm when he reads that former world champion Kermit “The Killer” Cintron will be challenging Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for his WBC super welterweight championship on November 26 in Mexico and live on HBO.

 

Molina (19-4-2, 6 KOs) scored a dominant unanimous decision over Cintron last July with none of the judges giving Cintron more than two rounds. The victory capped off a magnificent year that also saw Molina fight to a disputed draw with highly regarded Cuban contender Erislandy Lara. Most had Molina winning that fight as well.

 

So why is Cintron getting the lucrative title shot while Molina sits at home waiting for his phone to ring?

 

“That sums it up right there, the way boxing is,” said a dejected Molina. “I won the fight and they give the shot to the guy I beat. They didn’t even offer me the fight. Why?”

 

Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing thinks he has the answer.

 

“Carlos is the best 154-lb fighter in the world and the top fighters are avoiding him. I understand that fighters don’t want to lose. That’s understandable. But what about HBO letting Alvarez take the easier road by fighting a guy my guy just beat? He destroyed Cintron and despite that, somehow they are putting Cintron in while Carlos’s phone doesn’t ring. What happened to serving the paying customers by putting on the best fights between the best fighters? Carlos will fight anyone in the world at 154 or 147 lbs.'”

 

The good-natured Molina says he’ll continue to train hard and wait for his opportunity at a big fight. “Hopefully one of these other guys on top will have what it takes to fight me. I’ll just stay in shape and wait it out.”

 

Margules, on the other hand, isn’t as forgiving. “You’ve got a fighter who comes back from two years off and scores two huge wins over two top guys and knocks out another well-thought-of fighter on ESPN in impressive fashion. It’s a Cinderella story. Carlos is an exciting fighter who comes forward and throws a lot of punches. He outboxes these guys with old-school techniques. So why is he getting stepped over for a shot at Canelo? It’s not like HBO tried to make the better fight and Carlos wasn’t available. His phone NEVER rang. Situations like this are a problem for our sport. It’s disgraceful. Maybe with the new regime beginning over at HBO these kinds of things will no longer happen.”

Former Bellator Champion Lyman Good Returns to face Michael Costa in Welterweight Tournament Qualifier at Bellator 59

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments


Harlem, N.Y. native back in action in front of Caesars Atlantic City, N.J. crowd

CHICAGO, Ill. (October 25, 2011) — Bellator Fighting Championships announced today that former Bellator Welterweight Champion Lyman “Cyborg” Good will make his long-awaited return to the Bellator cage as the New York native squares off against promising Brazilian Michael Costa in a Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament Qualifier fight on Saturday, November 26 from Caesars Atlantic City in New Jersey and LIVE on MTV2 and in commercial-free HD on EPIX2 beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT. First fight will take place at 7 p.m. ET and will be streamed LIVE and FREE around the world on Spike.com. The night will also feature the Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight final between Alexis Vila and Eduardo Dantas as well as two other spectacular fights that include Point Pleasant, New Jersey’s Kurt “Batman” Pellegrino taking on Patricky Pitbull and Brooklyn’s Phillipe Nover against Marcin Held.

Born in Harlem and currently fighting out of Manhattan, the explosive Good brings an impressive 11-2 professional record to the cage, including five knockout victories. The Tiger Schulmann product marched through the Season 1 Welterweight Tournament and captured the title to become the first ever Bellator Welterweight Champion.

Good was originally supposed to get back into the cage earlier this year against fellow welterweight Dan “The Handler” Hornbuckle, but a nagging hamstring injury forced “Cyborg” out of the fight. The New Yorker has been on a long layoff since coming off a tough split-decision loss at the hands of undefeated Judo Olympian Rick Hawn in the Bellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament Semifinals and is eager to get back to work.

“Coming off of that last fight, it really made me go back to the drawing board and start fresh,” said Good. “You’re going to see a new Lyman Good, but at the same time it’s going to be the old Lyman Good. I felt like I got away from some things that made me who I was as a fighter, and I needed to get back to my roots. I can’t wait to get into that cage, trade some leather and get back to my winning ways.”

For Costa, the Royler Gracie trained black belt has been waiting to make his Bellator debut, and will have his hands full with the veteran Good. Costa currently trains and teaches alongside current Bellator Middleweight Tournament Finalist Vitor Vianna at Wand Fight Team in Las Vegas, and a meeting with Good should produce fireworks.

“Lyman was our first ever Welterweight Champion and it’s going to be good to see him back in the cage and fighting for a shot in our next tournament,” said Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney. “Lyman always brings it, and Michael is the real deal with great skills, so this should be a very explosive fight””

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bellator

About Bellator Fighting Championships

Bellator Fighting Championships is a Mixed Martial Arts promotional company headquartered in Chicago.  Bellator’s founder/CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment professional with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator Fighting Championships’ executive team is comprised of top industry professionals in the areas of live event production, television production, fighter relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.

 

For the 2nd Time in his Career Todd Hibbs Takes Reigns of Re-Emerging Program in Michigan

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments


Todd Hibbs is the new wrestling coach at Alma College. He joins the Scots after seven years at Olivet College, inlcuding five as the school’s Head Wrestling Coach. Hibbs served as the Comets’ Vice President for Institutional Advancement since February of last year.

“We are pleased and excited to present Todd Hibbs as our new wrestling coach,” says Alma Athletic Director John Leister. “He has a great track record of success in this sport, both on and off the mat. Todd’s hiring re-opens an exciting chapter in the Scots’ athletic department, as we bring back a sport that has a strong history here. Everyone who interviewed him came away with the strong opinion that Todd is the right person to resurrect our program and build Alma College wrestling.”

The addition of men’s wrestling, absent since 1984, recognizes the high participation rate of high school students competing in the sport, says Leister“More than 450 high schools in Michigan offer varsity wrestling, with approximately 11,300 participants in 2010, along with approximately 45,000 high school wrestlers in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.”

Wrestling is significantly under-represented at the college level,” says Leister. “Adding wrestling provides opportunities for students who are interested in collegiate wrestling to maximize their post-high school experience at Alma.”

Hibbs was Head Coach at Olivet from 2004-08, rebuilding an eliminated program to a top-10 team nationally. His team also ranked second academically in NCAA Division III (97 schools), and his fund-raising efforts assisted in moving to the program into new on-campus facilities.He also served as Head Coach of the men’s and women’s cross country teams in 2004-2005.

“I am elated as is my entire family,” said Hibbs. “That Alma College is adding another collegiate option for the young men of our great wrestling state of Michigan is tremendous news. To have President Abernathy and Athletic Director John Leister entrust me with leading this new program, it’s a privilege and I am eager to get started.”

Alma College has a strong wrestling legacy, with varsity teams competing through 1984. The 1980-81, 1981-82 and 1982-83 wrestling teams won consecutive league titles and are members of the Alma College Athletics Hall of Fame.

The team will compete in the new 2,400-seat Art Smith Arena. Recruiting questionnaires can be filled out on the Alma College Athletics website, and for further information on the program please contact Todd Hibbs at hibbstw@alma.edu or 989-463-7963.  

Scott Casber
Founder/Host
Takedown Wrestling Radio and TV
USA Wrestling Weekly
515-707-8657

Boxing Links (10-25-11)

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments

Manny Pacquiao prepares for his next fight
Los Angeles Times (blog)
Two professional boxers anxiously waited their turn to spar against Manny Pacquiao last week at Wild Card Boxing Club. More than just pride was at stake. If they could knock him down, they would win $1000. It’s an offer that Pacquiao’s camp has made to 
See all stories on this topic » 

 

Donaire will become a boxing superstar: analyst
ABS CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – A boxing analyst from Sports Illustrated believes Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire has all the tools needed to be the next big-time attraction in boxing, following the footsteps of Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. 
See all stories on this topic » 

 

Last updated at 2:33 PM on 25th October 2011
Daily Mail
The reinstatement of Bernard Hopkins as the world’s oldest boxing champion has revived the prospects of a huge pay night for one or the other of Britain’s leading prize-fighters. Hopkins, 46, has been handed back his world light-heavyweight crown by 
See all stories on this topic » 

 


Daily Mail
BOXING: Colton’s Reyes to be on Showtime
Press-Enterprise
BY DAVID A. AVILA Almost daily Artemio “The King” Reyes walks into a crowded hillside boxing gym in Riverside with a smile for his friends and stable mates and shakes everyone’s hand before getting his hands wrapped for battle. 
See all stories on this topic »

Press-Enterprise 

 

PAL boxing: Zak Rollins, Matt McLendon win in West Virginia amateur event
Zanesville Times Recorder
Apparently most drivers understand texting while operating a motor vehicle is dangerous, even if… CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Zak Rollins and Matt McLendon picked up wins this past weekend at an amateur boxing event at Dupont Middle School in Charleston. 
See all stories on this topic » 

 

HBO’s Merchant hopeful for Donaire’s future
ABS CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – Boxing analyst Larry Merchant of HBO hopes that Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s move to the junior featherweight division will allow the Filipino boxer to show his skills and talent for the sport. 
See all stories on this topic » 

 

Trout-LoPorto on ShoBox
fightnews.com
The 26-year-old Trout won the vacant 154-pound title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Rigoberto Alvarez, the older brother of World Boxing Council (WBC) light middleweight champ, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, on Feb. 5, 2011, in Mexico. 
See all stories on this topic » 

 

BOXING Chatter
Press-Enterprise
Female boxing star Melinda Cooper (21-1, 11 KOs) will fight IBF super bantamweight titleholder Ada Velez (19-3-3, 6 KOs) on Nov. 20, at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas, announced Sampson Boxing promotions. Cooper fights out of Las Vegas and is 
See all stories on this topic » 

 

Tito Serrano Wins 10 Round War in Atlantic City
SaddoBoxing.com
By Robert Brizel October 24th, 2011 All Ringside Boxing Saturday night at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, NJ unbeaten welterweight prospect Raymond ‘Tito’ Serrano of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, traveled through ten rounds of hell to decision veteran 
See all stories on this topic »

 

Blogs
Talkin’ Boxing with Mike Jones | BoxingInsider.com – Boxing | Boxing 
By Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski Philadelphia welterweight Mike Machine Gun Jones will become the IBF #1 mandatory challenger to champ Andre Berto if he can take care.
BoxingInsider.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
Halestormsports.com presents Calixs Boxing Report 10/24 by 
By Halestorm sports radio
Joe Calix of www.calixsports.com will touch on everything current in the world of boxing. We will be joined in the studio by MattyFresh412 from the twitter bo Oct 24.
Halestorm Sports Radio

 

Web
Nonito Donaire retains WBC and WBO bantamweight titles – News 
Nonito Donaire retained the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles, unanimously outpointing Omar Narvaez on Saturday night at the Theater at Madison Square 
msn.foxsports.com/…/Nonito-Donaire-retains-WBC-WBO-ban…                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
“Klitschko” an absorbing boxing documentary: movie review – Los 
The writer A.J. Liebling famously called boxing “the sweet science,” but it doesn’t always play out that way in fight films, where boxers often come off as lacking in 
articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/21/…/la-et-klitschko-20111021                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
Eminem’s Boxing Film Greenlit Again After Being Put On Hold 
Eminem’s boxing movie Southpaw is back in the Hollywood ring two months after DreamWorks film bosses put the project on hold. MGM executives have 
www.starpulse.com/…/eminems_boxing_film_greenlit_again_…

New York Mixed Martial Arts Initiative (NYMMAI) Fundraiser to Support Self-Defense Programs For Youth in East Harlem Set for October 29

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments


 

NEW YORK, NY –  October 25, 2011 – The New York Mixed Martial Arts Initiative (NYMMAI) is pleased to announce that its annual fundraiser will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 7 PM to 12 AM in midtown Manhattan in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen.  The fundraiser will support the NYMMAI’s community outreach effort, which currently includes a beneficial after school self-defense program for public high school students in East Harlem.

 

Attendees of the NYMMAI fundraising event will have the unique opportunity to meet key players in the mixed martial arts industry and local professional MMA fighters such as Ryan LaFlare and “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show contestant Dennis Bermudez.  All proceeds will benefit the NYMMAI, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

 

According to NYMMAI founder, Justin Klein, “We are now in year two of our support for what has become an incredible and very effective after school self-defense program for high school students in East Harlem.” 

 

Klein went on to say, “The program has effectively served as an anti-violence and emotional support group for the students who participate.  Our hope is that we can continue to support even more programs throughout the city that contribute to the students’ overall confidence, safety and well-being.”

 

During the fundraiser the UFC 137 Pay-Per-View will be shown live, food and beverages will be served, and there will also be a private screening of the feature documentary film, “New York Mixed Martial Arts.”  Attendees will be presented with gift bags featuring items from various NYMMAIsupporters and sponsors.

 

The NYMMAI fundraising event will coincide with a charity auction on Charity Buzz, an additional effort to raise funds to support NYMMAI’s free after school programs and youth outreach.

 

*Below are just a few of the highly sought after items that will be auctioned off during the NYMMAI Charity Buzz auction: 

 

*To participate in the Charity Buzz auction, please go to www.charitybuzz.com/support/nymmai.


Supporters are encouraged to join the ‘New York Mixed Martial Arts Initiative’ on October 29, 2011 from 7 PM to 12 AM in mid-town Manhattan for their annual fundraising event. MMA enthusiasts can watch the fights and mingle with NYMMAI special guests, all while supporting a great cause!

 

Tickets to attend this exclusive fundraising event are $100 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please email info@newyorkmma.org for additional information or to purchase tickets. To learn more about the NYMMAI and the programs that they support, please visitwww.newyorkmma.org.  

 

About the New York Mixed Martial Arts Initiative:

NYMMAI is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to preventing bullying, gang participation and domestic violence by providing and supporting community and character-building programs for inner city youth.  Currently, NYMMAI is supporting an after school self-defense program for public high school students in East Harlem. For more information on NYMMAI, please log on to www.newyorkmma.org

MUHAMMAD ALI’S TRUNKS FROM “THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY” AND HISTORIC LOU GEHRIG BAT FEATURED IN SCP AUCTIONS’

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments


FALL INTERNET AUCTION, OCT. 28-NOV. 19

 

Laguna Niguel, Calif.  (Oct. 25, 2011) – The personal basketball memorabilia collection of Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Muhammad Ali’s fight-worn trucks from Ali vs. Frazier – “The Fight of the Century” — highlight SCP Auctions’ spring auction set to begin Friday, Oct. 28.

 

Other historically-important memorabilia that make up the 763-lot offering include Lou Gehrig’s 1938-39 bat used to hit his last home run in a Yankees uniform, Mickey Cochrane’s 1934 American League Most Valuable Player trophy and the only known autographed photo of 19th Century baseball icon Mike “King” Kelly.  Bidding will be open to registered bidders on Friday, Oct. 28 and conclude on Saturday, Nov. 19. For more information on how to participate, visit www.scpauctions.com or call (800) 350-2273.

 

“On behalf of Julius Erving and his family, we are proud to offer what is certainly the most important and comprehensive basketball player collection ever brought to market,” said SCP President and CEO David Kohler. “The collection is being offered in two parts with part one highlighting our November 19 sale. Part two of the collection will be featured in our December Monthly Auction. We share in the Erving family’s wish that fans and collectors will cherish and preserve these items as they have for many years.

 

Erving left an indelible impression on the game of basketball. His dazzling style of play largely facilitated the merger between the ABAand NBA in 1976. An all-star in every season of his 16-year professional career, he was the first to bring the field of play “above the rim” and, in doing so, changed the face of the game forever. His grace and style continue to make him one of the game’s true ambassadors.  The auction will include part one of the collection of basketball legend Dr. J, including significant championship rings, important awards and game-used items. 

 

“I am very excited to work with SCP auctions to offer my personal collection of memorabilia to collectors and fans,” said Erving.  “It is my hope that the buyers of these items will derive much pleasure from their ownership. I also hope these treasures initiate much discussion inside and outside of basketball circles that help to preserve my legacy. It pleases me to support my lifelong charity, the Salvation Army, with a portion of the proceeds. My family and I thank all of the fans for their continued support throughout the years.”

 

Some of the marquis items from the collection include Dr. J’s 1974 and 1976 New York Nets ABA World Championship ring; 1983 Philadelphia 76ers World Championship ring; 1996 NBA’s 50 Greatest Players ring; MVP trophies from 1975-76 (ABA) and 1980-81 (NBA); 1977 and 1983 NBA All-Star game MVP trophies; 1979, 1981 and 1985 Eastern Conference All-Star game-worn uniforms, 1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers game-worn road uniform; and his final game-worn jersey from Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference playoffs. 

 

Also of significance is the offering of Ali’s iconic blood-red velvet trucks worn during his first fight versus Joe Frazier.  The fight was billed as the “Fight of the Century” and, in retrospect, it probably was. It may have been Ali’s best fight, despite the fact he lost for the first time in his career. He out-punched Frazier 3-1. But his braggadocio, and taunting style, coupled with the 14th-round knockdown by Frazier, resulted in a decision for Smokin’ Joe.

 

Ironically, the loss, while proving the brash young heavyweight to be mortal, actually increased Ali’s popularity and made him the crowd’s favorite for the rest of his career. The trunks originally belonged to the estate of Drew Bundini Brown. Brown was a long-time assistant of Ali’s and was present for the historic fight.

 

Another prime baseball item is Gehrig’s 1938-39 game-used bat.  One of the last professional models made for him by the craftsmen at Hillerich & Bradsby, it was used by baseball’s Iron Horse during the 1938 season as well as spring training 1939. Furthermore, in an exhibition game prior to the start of the 1939 season, Gehrig, in rapid decline from the insidious disease that now bears his name, utilized this very bat when he valiantly mustered the strength and form to hit his last two home runs in a New York Yankees uniform. The bat originates from the estate of well-known actor Bing Russell, whose long and varied association with baseball included spending eight years of his childhood working and traveling with the Yankees during spring training. Russell, father of actor Kurt Russell, received the bat directly from Gehrig immediately after Gehrig’s last big-league clout. SCP officials describe the bat as the single finest piece of Gehrig memorabilia they’ve handled in the company’s 32-year history. 

 

Along with the Gehrig bat, a 1941 Joe DiMaggio game-used bat autographed by the 1941 Yankees team and a Babe Dahlgren 1938-39 game-used bat from the estate of Bing Russell are also featured in the auction. These bats, obtained by Bing in his childhood directly from the players themselves, were heirlooms cherished by three generations of the Russell family. Jill and her brother, Kurt Russell, can recount many memories of their father proudly discussing the origin and importance of these bats, including how the Baseball Hall of Fame persistently contacted Bing about donating them to the museum. Each bat is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Kurt Russell, Jill Franco and Bing’s grandson, former Major Leaguer Matt Franco.

 

Another iconic item on auction is Mickey Cochrane’s 1934 American League Most Valuable Player trophy, highlighting a collection of items from the estate of the Hall of Fame catcher. Philadelphia Athletics manager Connie Mack didn’t wish to part with Cochrane when he started to disassemble his team for financial reasons after the conclusion of the 1932 campaign, but he finally relented when his catcher expressed a desire to manage the following year. Mack sold Cochrane, the backbone of the A’s mini-dynasty, to the Detroit Tigers prior to the start of the 1934 season. The receiver proceeded to lead his new team to the American League pennant in his first year as a player-manager. Cochrane’s offensive numbers were impressive, but far from league bests. His .320 batting average was substantial, but he hit only two home runs, knocked in just 76 runs, and scored only 74. However, so overwhelming were his leadership skills, MVP voters selected him over Gehrig in the balloting for the annual award, even though the Yankee first baseman won the A.L. Triple Crown. 

 

Other items from the Cochrane collection include his personal team-signed 1929 Philadelphia Athletics panoramic photograph and a four-page handwritten letter and related telegram from Ty Cobb to Cochrane referencing Coca-Cola franchising.   

 

Also offered is an extraordinary 1897 Mike “King” Kelly autographed banquet program, which is possibly the greatest 19th Century baseball autograph find in hobby history.  Kelly was the hard-living, hard-drinking son of a Civil War veteran whose skills at baseball and infectious charm turned him into the game’s first hero, and a symbol of what it meant to be a celebrity in America in the 1880s and ‘90s.  It has been estimated that the number of authentic “King” Kelly autographs known to exist can be counted on two hands, with most exemplars being on contracts or other documents. This is the only known “King” Kelly autographed photograph. It has resided for years within the collection of a curator of Elks Lodge memorabilia, with more consideration for that genre, than for its revelation as one of the finest treasures ever to surface from America’s national pastime.

 

Cornell’s Rob Koll Talks Schedule, Competition, Nat. Duals with Takedown

Posted on | October 25, 2011 | No Comments

ITHACA, N.Y.—The Big Red wrestling team has released its 2011-12 schedule that is filled with action at home on East Hill. Cornell will play host to six dual matches, the Body Bar Invitational, the New York State Intercollegiate championships and is a regional site for the National Duals. Coming off a second-place NCAA finish a year ago, Rob Koll‘s Big Red team opens its season at home against Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 18 at Newman Arena.

The Golden Gophers finished seventh at the NCAA tournament last season. Cornell and Minnesota squared off at the 2011 National Duals, with the Big Red earning a 20-16 victory. One day later, the Big Red will play host to the Body Bar System Invitational in Newman Arena. Cornell will face competition from Army, Binghamton, Buffalo, Clarion, Drexel, Ithaca College, Kent State, Lock Haven, Minnesota, Sacred Heart and Virginia.

The Big Red travels to Las Vegas, Nev. to defend its 2010 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational title on Dec. 2-3 before breaking for the winter holidays. In its first action of the new year, Cornell will compete at the Southern Scuffle, held for the first time in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Cornell will take on EIWA foe Lehigh at home on Jan. 8 before opening its Ivy slate. The Big Red will be in search for its 10th straight Ivy League title and looks to extend its 48-match conference win streak beginning Jan. 14 when it heads to Penn and Princeton.

On Jan. 21-22, the Big Red will play host to the New York State Intercollegiate championships with the junior varsity competing against the best teams in the state. A week later, Cornell will hit the road for a dual match on the campus of perennial powerhouse Iowa State.

On Sunday, Feb. 12, Cornell will welcome Central Michigan, Oklahoma, Purdue, Illinois and American to Newman Arena as a regional location for the NWCA/Cliff Keen Division I National Dual Meet Championship. There are four regional competitions from which the final team from each location will advance to the championship on Feb. 19. The final event will be held on one of the final team’s campuses.

The National Duals rounds out Cornell’s dual schedule. The Big Red will be in search of its sixth-straight EIWA team title on March 3-4 at Princeton. The 2012 NCAA championships return to St. Louis, Mo. March 15-17.

Cornell returns six starters including five NCAA qualifiers and three All-Americans. Included among the returners are two-time NCAA champion, junior Kyle Dake, three-time All-American Cam Simaz and All-American Steve Bosak.

Scott Casber
Founder/Host
Takedown Wrestling Radio and TV
USA Wrestling Weekly
515-707-8657

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