This marked the 100th anniversary of the first World Series ever played, although it was the 99th in history as the 1994 Series was canceled due to a players strike.  Game six was a classic pitchers duel, as Josh Beckett took to the mound for the Marlins against veteran lefty Andy Pettitte of the Yankees.  Pettitte pitched great but was outclassed by Beckett, who threw a complete game, five-hit shutout to earn the World Series M.V.P.  Beckett was also the tough luck loser in another pitchers duel in game three against Mike Mussina, as he threw seven innings and gave up just one run.

This turned out to be the final World Series game played in the original Yankee Stadium, which closed its doors after the 2008 season.

Here are the Marlins celebrating their victory.

Notable Birthdays

Bobby Knight, NCAA – Born October 25th 1940 (age 71) in Massillon, Ohio

Dan Issel, NBA – Born October 25th 1948 (age 63) in Batavia, Illinois

Wendel Clark, NHL – Born October 25th 1966 (age 45) in Kelvington, Saskatchewan

Hat Tip – [MLB.com]

The latter made its way into the Marlins dugout in the top of the ninth inning, but even an attack on left fielder Logan Morrison couldn’t halt Florida’s offensive outburst, as they recorded five runs in the frame, increasing their lead to 11-2.  That nine-run cushion made it much easier for the Marlins players to get a laugh out of the sight of Morrison dancing around in an attempt to escape the grasps of this praying mantis.

Victorino was shaken, but not hurt on the play.  We would go on to double and score on a Ryan Howard double two at bats later, as the Phillies went on to win by a score of 8-1.  Here is another look at the incident.

I wonder what their kids would look like?

This father did just that over the weekend, when he dropped his daughter while making an attempt on a foul ball during a game between the Dodgers and the Marlins in Los Angeles.

I’m no expert when it comes to parenting, but if you are going to attempt the two-handed grab and drop your child in the process, that is one catch you simply have to make.

Here is a look at this dad losing both the souvenir and his daughter’s trust.

Hat Tip – [Bleacher Report]

Kershaw was lights out all afternoon, allowing only two hits and one walk, while striking out 10, en route to the complete game shutout victory. His teammates would provide him with eight runs, but he really only needed one as the Dodgers cruised to the 8-0 win.

The first few months of the season have been a disappointment for the Dodgers, who currently sit in fourth place in the NL West with a 24-30 record.  One of their few bright spots has been the play of Kershaw, who owns a 6-3 record on the year, with an ERA of 2.62 and a league-high 87 strikeouts.  He maintained that stellar form last night, and as a result he earns our “Stat Line of the Night” for Sunday, May 29, 2011.

According to the commentators, he was performing backflips in the outfield and providing the players with a “small distraction.”  Unfortunately, we could not provide you with a closer look.  After all, we are trying to keep things at least somewhat clean here.

On a side note, is it me, or were sports fans around the world feeling a little frisky last night?  First there were boobs flying around at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.  Now we have dongs flailing around in Florida.  What’s next?  More dongs swinging around at Anfield in England?

(The above is what we refer to as foreshadowing…And for those who still don’t get it, stay tuned for footage of a man streaking at Anfield.)

There’s nothing worse than seeing a historic sports franchise pack up and move to another city. For fans, the experience is similar to watching a loved one pass away, or in some cases, going through a bitter divorce. But the fact of the matter is that money talks and B.S. walks. Besides, not all franchises are created equal. Some teams are woven into the fabric of their community. I hate the Boston Red Sox, but if they moved, even I would be pissed. Can the same be said about the Nashville Predators? I think not.

With that in mind, here are 9 teams that, with a few exceptions, have no justifiable reason to stay put.

The Minnesota Vikings

Look, before some of you bitch, I was really on the fence with this team. And to be honest, I really want them to stay in Minnesota, and there are numerous reasons why they should. The team has a great fan base in a historic division. The NFC Central wouldn’t be the same without them. But the fact remains that if they can’t get a new stadium built in Arden Hills, it’s time to hit the road.

For years, the team has been clamoring for a new facility, but to no avail. You’d think the Metrodome’s roof collapse would have proved their point, but some politicians are still dragging their feet. There’s certainly an argument to be made against using public money to build such a facility, and if that’s your stance, fine. But if that’s your position, don’t be surprised when your team ends up in L.A.

The Florida (Miami) Marlins

The Marlins have only been in existence since 1993, but they’ve already won the World Series twice. Yet the team still has trouble selling out their games. Granted, that’s due, in no small part, to the fact that the management has had a nasty habit of trading off players when their salaries get too high, which doesn’t really help with fan loyalty. But even so, some fans go a lifetime without seeing their team win the series. Even one win should guarantee sellouts for five years. Marlins fans don’t know how good they’ve got it.

Jacksonville Jaguars

There’s nothing wrong with a small-market team. After all, look what the Packers have done. But when a small-market team lacks both history and a sustainable fan base, it’s time to back your bags and head for greener pastures. Yes, attendance was up for the Jags last season, but how could it not be. For years, the team has been unable to sell out their stadium. 2009 was so dismal that seven of their eight home games were blacked out. If attendance continues moving in the right direction, fine. If not, pull the plug and move them to Toronto. Better them than Buffalo. The franchise isn’t even 20-years old. In a decade, no one would even remember Jacksonville had a team.

Nashville Predators

If a few things had gone differently, this team would already have moved to Kansas City or Hamilton, Ontario. Only NHL rules and a business deal’s last-minute collapse kept the team in Nashville. In 2008, the team averaged 14,900 per game, just 900 over the 14,000 limit that would have allowed the current owners to move the team. And considering the original owner, Craig Leipold, lost $70 million over ten years, it’s easy to see why the current ownership might want out.

Phoenix Coyotes

If not for the NHL seeking to placate the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres, this team would already be in Hamilton, Ontario. The Coyotes have already gone bankrupt, and although a last minute deal was reached in late 2010 to keep the team in Glendale, I’m not sure why. It’s time for a fresh start.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies moved to Memphis looking for a fresh start. But the way things are looking, maybe they should have stayed in Vancouver. Last year the team ranked third worst in attendance, behind the Kings and the Nets. As AskMen.com points out, only a $100 million lease at FedEx Forum is keeping the team in place.

The Oakland Raiders

It’s no secret that the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is a dump. And even with the Raider’s better-than expected season, Oakland ranked dead last in attendance for 2010. Who the hell knows what is going on in Al Davis’ senile brain, but this team should definitely make the move to San Jose. Keep Oakland in the name, but get a new stadium in the burbs.

The St. Louis Rams

Los Angeles is desperate for an NFL team. The Rams have the third lowest attendance in the league. Looking back, maybe moving the team from the West Coast to the Rust Belt wasn’t the best move.

The Sacramento Kings

I would have included the Nets on this list, but they’re already moving. That leaves the Kings at the bottom of NBA attendance. In a state with three other NBA teams Sacramento just can’t compete.