Had a nice, long sit-down in tournament director Anne Worcester’s New Haven office Thursday to discuss the upcoming seating changes in the lower bowl, along with the other additions to the non-tennis portion – food court, music, etc. – for the upcoming 2013 tournament when I stumbled upon the most breaking news the New Haven Open at Yale has heard in years.
Even going back to the days when it was the Pilot Pen and yes, even before that, the Volvo International.
What news, you ask? Well, for those of us that have attended the tournament in the past, you’ll know that this has been one of the most serious issues that tournament has had to deal with. And the Connecticut Post/Hearst Connecticut Newspapers is breaking the news that thousands of tennis fans have been waiting to hear …
Ready?
The tree roots are gone.
Let me repeat that.
THE TREE ROOTS ARE GONE.
That’s right. Those blasted tree roots that seem to have been everywhere you walked around the outer court area, have finally been chopped up and re-paved over. Remember silently swearing as you nearly tripped over one? Remember doing that “Gangham Style” dance as you tired to avoid them walking from the food court to the grandstand to see a match? Well, my tennis friends, no more of that. When you walk into the Connecticut Tennis Center from the parking lots in August, there will be nothing but smooth pavement waiting you.
This has been one of Worcester’s pet peeves for years, trying to get the tree roots removed, so someone doesn’t trip and fall and sue the pants off the tournament. And for years, all she heard from Yale University was “can’t be done.”
Then, all of a sudden, just a few days after Governor Dannel P. Malloy attended the 2012 New Haven Open and pledged his support (especially financially) Worcester heard from Yale that the root problem would be dealt with.
And it was. TWO DAYS after the tournament.
Can you believe it? Two days after Petra Kvitova held the trophy high at Center Court, workers were digging and chopping and getting rid of those stupid tree roots. Of course, it was probably because of the Yale football season getting ready to start (can’t have a Yale alum trip over a root, he might drop his donation from $1 million to just $500,000), in any event. The roots are gone.
I, for one, can’t wait to see the finished product this coming Monday at the “free lesson” for New Haven Public School children, featuring 2012 No. 1 ranked junior player, Taylor Townsend.
The tree roots are gone.
Remember, you heard it here first.
My Two Cents
Author Archive
Hooray! the tree roots are gone at the New Haven Open
And now Bassick’s Darryl Sims …
Here’s another one added to the list. Milford’s Andrew Kennedy e-mailed with Bassick’s Darryl Sims, who played at Bassick and was a first round pick (20 th overall) of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“How could you forget?” Andrew wrote.
Well, that’s easy. The website that I was using – www.databasefootball.com – has a link for “Players Born in Connecticut” and I looked at all the ones with “Bridgeport” next to their names. Sims was born in Winston Salem, N.C., so unless I knew him (which I didn’t) I wouldn’t have known that he played at Bassick.
If there are any other players out there that you know about, please drop me an e-mail at celsberry@ctpost.com or respond at My Two Cents and let me know.
BRIDGEPORT TO THE NFL
Name High School Pos. Year Team Round Overall
Chet Gladchuk Harding C 1941 Pittsburgh 2 12
Frank Hubbell Central DE 1944 Cleveland 15 152
Bob Dobelstein Central OT 1945 Chicago 4 28
Walt Trojanowski Central RB 1946 Washington 6 49
Ed Bradley Harding OG 1950 Chicago 16 206
George Tarasovic Harding C/DE 1952 Pittsburgh 2 18
Tony Elliott Harding DE 1982 New Orleans 5 113
Darryl Sims Bassick DE 1985 Pittsburgh 1 20
Kevin Belcher Bassick OT 1985 L.A. Raiders 7 186
Scott Leach Bassick LB 1987 New Orleans 9 234
Mike Jones Harding TE 1990 Minnesota 3 54
Trevardo Williams Central DE 2013 Houston 4 124
Source: databasefootball.com
Add George Tarasovic to the Bridgeport NFL draft list
Just got an e-mail from a Bob Ferik, who says he used to live close to George Tarasovic, who graduated from Harding High and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1952 NFL draft. (5th pick, 18th overall)
That makes 11 Bridgeport HS athletes taken. Anyone else know of someone I’ve missed. Please e-mail me. Thanks!
BRIDGEPORT TO THE NFL
Name High School Pos. Year Team Round Overall
Chet Gladchuk Harding C 1941 Pittsburgh 2 12
Frank Hubbell Central DE 1944 Cleveland 15 152
Bob Dobelstein Central OT 1945 Chicago 4 28
Walt Trojanowski Central RB 1946 Washington 6 49
Ed Bradley Harding OG 1950 Chicago 16 206
George Tarasovic Harding C/DE 1952 Pittsburgh 2 18
Tony Elliott Harding DE 1982 New Orleans 5 113
Kevin Belcher Bassick OT 1985 L.A. Raiders 7 186
Scott Leach Bassick LB 1987 New Orleans 9 234
Mike Jones Harding TE 1990 Minnesota 3 54
Trevardo Williams Central DE 2013 Houston 4 124
Source: databasefootball.com
No. 8 Kvitova, No. 14 Bartoli commit to New Haven Open
This just released by the New Haven Open at Yale:
Defending Champion and World No. 8 Petra Kvitova and World No. 14 Marion Bartoli have committed to play the 2013 New Haven Open at Yale on August 16-24, 2013 at the Connecticut Tennis Center, it was announced today by Tournament Director Anne Worcester. Kvitova and Bartoli join World No. 6 Angelique Kerber and World No. 7 Sara Errani as players who have committed to play in the 2013 New Haven Open.
Kvitova stormed to the 2012 New Haven Open title without dropping a set, dispatching four top-20 players en route. Her win in New Haven also sealed her place as champion of the 2012 Emirates Airline US Open Series, which reflects the results of nine summer tournaments leading up to the US Open. Along with her teammates from the Czech Republic, she closed out 2012 by successfully defending the Fed Cup title in November. Kvitova has amassed a 14-2 record in the team competition in the last three years. Prior to her success in 2012, she won Wimbledon and the year-end WTA Championships in 2011, earning her “Player of the Year” accolades and catapulting her to a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the world. In February of this year, Kvitova won her 10th WTA title, defeating Errani in the final of the Premier tournament in Dubai.
Bartoli will be making her tenth appearance at the New Haven Open, where she has reached the quarterfinals six times. The Frenchwoman has seven career WTA singles titles and has reached the quarterfinals or better at each of the four Grand Slams, including last year at the US Open. She reached the semifinals in Beijing last fall, and this year she has reached the quarterfinals of Shenzhen, Paris and Dubai.
“Welcoming back defending champion Petra Kvitova and six-time quarterfinalist Marion Bartoli gives the New Haven Open three of the top eight and four of the top 15 players in the world earlier than ever before,” said Worcester. “This speaks to the depth and competition of the player field and, combined with all the fan friendly enhancements being introduced this year, just how focused we are on delivering incredible fan entertainment both on and off the court.”
This year, fans will be closer to the action than ever before, as the New Haven Open consolidates all seating into the Box Ring of the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale. This enhanced proximity to the players and on-court action as well as increased in-stadium entertainment is available starting at just $24. Tickets for the 2013 tournament are on sale now, so fans will want to buy early to secure their seats in this new, enhanced format.
For more information and to secure tickets to the 2013 tournament, log on to www.newhavenopen.com or call the New Haven Open Box Office at 855-464-8366. Also, make sure to join the New Haven Open on Facebook & Twitter for tournament updates, contests and more.
Diana Silonova soccer fundraiser game set
This from UB Sports Information Director Chuck Sadowski:
This Thursday, April 25, the University of Bridgeport Women’s Soccer Team will host Fairfield University in the Fifth Annual Diana Silonova Fundraiser Game.
Diana is a former player for both the University of Bridgeport and Fairfield, who was involved in a serious car accident in January 2009.
All proceeds from the evening will go to assist Diana who now needs help and support to keep making progress with her rehabilitation.
Action between the Purple Knights and the Stags will get underway at UB’s Knights Field at 7:30p.m. on April 25th.
Tickets are $5 and a $200 club donation will give local soccer teams unlimited tickets to the event.
Rose, Johnson and Thompson commit to Travelers Championship
Three more commitments to the 2013 Travelers Championship, it was announced this morning. Here’s the release.
Justin Rose, Zach Johnson and Michael Thompson have all committed to play the 2013 Travelers Championship. With these commitments, the tournament continues to expand its list of top PGA TOUR professionals who will play TPC River Highlands from June 17 to 23.
“Justin, Zach and Michael are three extremely talented players on TOUR and they’re outstanding additions to our competitive tournament field,” said Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube. “Each of these golfers has a rich history at TPC River Highlands, so our fans will be excited to see them back in Connecticut in June.”
Justin Rose, who is currently ranked No. 4 in the Official World Golf Rankings, is making his eighth appearance at the Travelers Championship, and first since 2010. He has played well at TPC River Highlands, notching three top-10 finishes, including a third place finish in 2005. Born in South Africa, and raised in England, Rose has had a successful PGA TOUR and international career. On TOUR, he has four wins, 47 top-10 finishes, 105 top-25 finishes, and more than $22 million in tournament earnings. Rose finished No. 6 in the FedExCup standings last year, and he’s continued that momentum this season, playing five TOUR events and earning a second place finish, three top-10s and five top-25s.
Making his third straight appearance at the Travelers Championship, Zach Johnson has had success at TPC River Highlands, with four top 25 finishes – including a tied for third – in seven total appearances. Johnson’s TOUR career includes nine wins, seven second-place finishes, and seven third-place finishes, with his most notable victory coming in 2007 when he won the Masters. Last year, he finished tied for ninth at the Open Championship, his fourth top-10 finish in a major in his career.
Michael Thompson has a special history with the Travelers Championship, having been given an exemption to play the tournament as an amateur in 2008. Thompson will be making his third straight appearance at the tournament and fourth appearance overall. This season, Thompson earned the first TOUR victory of his career, winning The Honda Classic, and followed that win up with a tie for eighth place at the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship. Last season, Thompson earned his best major finish of his career, earning second place at the U.S. Open.
Rose, Johnson and Thompson join a field that already includes top players such as Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Keegan Bradley and defending champion Marc Leishman.
Tickets for the tournament are on sale now at www.TravelersChampionship.com.
Adam Greenberg back with the Bridgeport Bluefish
This release today from the Bridgeport Bluefish:
The Bridgeport Bluefish announced the signing of outfielder Adam Greenberg. Adam returns to the Bluefish for his fifth season in the Atlantic League and 12th of professional baseball.
“We are excited that Adam will once again be back in Bridgeport,” says Bluefish general manager Ken Shepard. “He inspired so many people with his return to the Major Leagues last season. We’re proud to call him a Bluefish again and help him with his pursuit of a Major League Baseball opportunity.”
Greenberg last played in 2012 with the Miami Marlins, after the Marlins signed him to a one-day contract to finally accomplish his goal of getting a Major League at-bat. He squared off against the New York Mets on Tuesday, October 2nd in Miami. In the bottom of the sixth inning, he entered the game as a pinch hitter and struck out against Mets knuckleballer, and Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey.
The dream finally came true and will now continue for the Connecticut native who was drafted in the ninth round of the 2002 draft by the Chicago Cubs and began his professional career in 2002 as a member of Lansing (A, Cubs) of the Midwest League. He worked his way through the Cubs organization until he received his chance to play in the Major Leagues in 2005. Adam received his first big league plate appearance on July 9, 2005 as a pinch hitter against the Florida Marlins in Miami and was subsequently hit in the head by an errant pitch by Marlins hurler Valerio De Los Santo, which forced Greenberg from the game.
He was one of the only players in Major League history to have at least one plate appearance but never an official at-bat, until his career came full-circle when he put on that Miami Marlins uniform.
Greenberg last played for the ‘Fish in 2011, slugging a career-best 10 home runs and batted .259 with 82 runs scored, 27 stolen bases and a team-high 73 walks. He also recorded 12 triples on the year, which moved him past Angel Espada as the all-time Bluefish triples leader with 28 career three-baggers. During that season, Adam also had the chance to face pitcher Valerio De Los Santos for the first time since their Major League showdown. In their only matchup, Greenberg singled off of De Los Santos, who pitched for the Long Island Ducks at the time.
Defending champ Leishman among 4 commitments to Travelers Championship
This just released by the Travelers Championship:
Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Keegan Bradley, and defending champion Marc Leishman have committed to play in the 2013 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands from June 17 to 23. Tickets also go on sale today, and with the tournament only 97 days away, the Travelers Championship is offering a special ticket package for $97 that includes four Any One Day tickets, one Lot B Parking Pass and $30 in food and beverage vouchers, a savings of $99.
“Commitments from some of the top PGA TOUR players are a sign of things to come for the 2013 Travelers Championship field and we are thrilled to be making this announcement,” said Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube. “Each of these players has a strong tie to our tournament, and fans will undoubtedly be excited to see them back in Connecticut. With the tournament fast approaching, we’re also pleased to announce that our tickets are officially on sale.”
Reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson is a Connecticut fan favorite. Watson has experienced tremendous success at the tournament, earning the first PGA TOUR victory of his career at the Travelers Championship in 2010, and notching three top-six finishes since 2008, including a second place finish in 2012. Since his 2010 win, Watson has become one of golf’s biggest stars, having won four times on TOUR, including earning his first major win at the Masters in 2012. Watson was a member of the 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cup teams.
Hunter Mahan is making his 12th appearance at TPC River Highlands, where he’s had considerable success. The 2007 Travelers Championship winner has already won five times on the PGA TOUR, has seven second place finishes, and has won more than $23 million in TOUR earnings. Mahan has played well this season, finishing second at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.
Keegan Bradley is making his third straight appearance at the Travelers Championship. Best known for winning the 2011 PGA Championship, the New England native is one of the best young players on TOUR. He won the 2011 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year award, already has three career victories, has won more than $8 million in TOUR earnings, and was a breakout star on last year’s Ryder Cup team.
Reigning Travelers Championship champion Marc Leishman will be back at TPC River Highlands to defend his title. The Australia-native earned his first TOUR victory at the Travelers Championship last year, after shooting a final round of 62, matching the best round of his career. The 2009 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year has played well in his short career, already earning two second place, two third place, and 10 top-10 finishes.
Tickets for the tournament, which will take place from June 17 to 23 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., are on sale now at www.TravelersChampionship.com.
