Bleacher Bits by Craig Purcell

Baseball's greatest weren't enhanced

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

On June 16, the New York Times published an article claiming that former Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.As a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, it comes as no surprise to me. There is a list that exists... Full story

Does anyone remember the Elegy of Brien Taylor?

By Paul Gadbois/Sports reporter

I can still remember pulling his rookie card out of a pack of Topps, proudly and with the utmost care sliding the pristine mint beauty into the No. 6 slot on the first page of my 1992 set. I was 10.Taylor was drafted by the New York Yankees out of high... Full story

For the glove of the game

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

Romantics often say that you never forget your first love. For baseball lovers like me, it's more like "you never forget your first glove."I've always felt a deep, emotional attachment to my baseball gloves and have found parting with them next to impossible.... Full story

Playtime in the summer months

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

With the games all played and the school year ending, what's a sports reporter to do? That's where all of you come in.While the games may be ending, recreation continues across the summer months. We still plan on being fixtures at American Legion baseball... Full story

You can’t lose ‘em all!

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

Some of the area's baseball and softball teams played very challenging schedules this season that saw them lose many more games than they won. But without exception, the kids kept playing.Now imagine losing every game in a season. Multiply that by six... Full story

A perfect game is a team thing

In the world of sports, there are few opportunities to come up perfect.Sure bowling has its perfect 300 game, but that is an individual accomplishment. A perfect game in baseball or softball is a true instance of perfect teamwork.While it is the pitcher... Full story

Striking out on player safety?

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

Among the differences you'll notice between high school baseball and softball in California is that while most baseball players do not wear protective masks on their helmets, all softball players do.They have to.Elizabeth Kyle, commissioner of the California... Full story

Trying to fill impossible shoes

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

There must be a tremendous amount of pressure being the offspring of a superstar athlete. There have been quite a few professional athletes that have followed in the footsteps of a father who also played at the professional level. Some have not achieved... Full story

My Little League memories – 1970’s

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

With a few communities in the TCN area already holding opening ceremonies for their Little League baseball programs (and dates of all others should be e-mailed to sports@tcnpress.com), I look back fondly at my own Little League experience.To say it was... Full story

Time to throw in the state playoff towel

By Craig Purcell/Sports editor

Enough is enough.Tuesday evening the tri-county area had three teams playing in opening-round CIF state championship basketball games. And these weren't just any teams - the Corning girls, Hamilton girls and Corning boys had garnered a Section championship... Full story

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