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Rookie reporter holds his own with the big boys
A week before the Patriots met the Giants for Super Bowl XLII, the Standard-Times asked me to recall my experience covering their first legendary matchup in 2008. Jan. 30, 2012
Thomas responds, Luongo doesn't
After nearly a week of yapping, Roberto Luongo again laid an egg on the TD Garden ice, while Tim Thomas was nearly unbeatable. Two days later, the Bruins won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years. June 14, 2011
Thomas protects the crease, delivers a shutout
Goalie Tim Thomas responded to criticism for his style of play, stopping 38 shots, starting scraps and backstopping the Bruins to a 4-0 win that tied the Stanley Cup finals at two games apiece. June 9, 2011
Bruins respond to Horton hit, now it's NHL's turn
After Aaron Rome's late hit to right winger Nathan Horton, the Boston Bruins responded with eight goals in the third game of the Stanley Cup finals. Rome was suspended for the remainder of the series the next day. June 7, 2011
Moss quieted by Giants' 'D,' Super Bowl loss
Randy Moss was seething after the New England Patriots' loss to the Giants. Written on deadline from Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Feb. 4, 2008
'First line of defense' fails Brady
The Patriots' offensive line, a strength all season, collapses under pressure from the Giants' defense. Written on deadline from Super Bowl XLII at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Feb. 4, 2008
Giants running down their upset dreams
A look at the New York Giants' running game leading up to Super Bowl XLII. Feb. 3, 2008
Izzo isn't taking his game anywhere
A feature focused on the New England Patriots' longtime special teams veteran. Feb. 2, 2008
Brown has seen it all
This feature looks at the career and outlook of the longest-tenured member of the New England Patriots. Feb. 2, 2008
Kelley Washington excells in new role, out of the spotlight
A feature highlighting the important role of Kelley Washington in the New England Patriots' special teams. Feb. 1, 2008
Samuel focued on Giants, not free agency
Leading up to Super Bowl XLII, there was a good deal of focus on saftey Asante Samuel's impending free agency. Feb. 1, 2008
Keeping things Light
This feature documents offensive lineman Matt Light's reputation as the team comedian. Jan. 31, 2008
Don't look past Jarvis Green on the Patriots defense
Jarvist Green should not be looked past on the Patriots defense. Correct. Jan. 31, 2008
Family affair for Tuck, Thomas
Cousins Justin Tuck of the New York Giants and Adalius Thomas of the New England Patriots were ready to face each other in Super Bowl XLII. Jan. 30, 2008
Warren unaffected by media storm
Feature on Ty Warren's ascent on the Patriots, and my debut story from Super Bowl XLII in Arizona. Jan. 29, 2008
Parting thoughts from a sports junkie
My final column for The Standard-Times before I moved to Arizona. Dec. 22, 2006
Bruins starting to prove changes are for real
Column where I firmly announce my believe in the new-look Boston Bruins. Dec. 9, 2006
Wishing hot stove would be pushed to the back burner
Sometimes, I wish that baseball season would end with the World Series. But, in New England, that will likely never be the state. Nov. 18, 2006
Holmstrom finds tender connection to goalie
This was a tough one for me. A local goalkeeper for Dartmouth High School had a terrible car accident, but struck up a friendship with Revolution keeper Matt Reis. I can't imagine having to go through something like this, but she kept her sense of humor and spirits up the whole way. Incredible. Nov. 12, 2006
C's need to write a new history
Before Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen arrived, the Celtics were in a sorry state. Nov. 3, 2006
NBA gun policy just the start of needed image overhaul
I've always had a hard time with columns like this. I know what my opinion is, but I work very hard to not come across as just another blowhard with veiled racist beliefs. But the NBA was in the middle of a semi-crisis with their image. Oct. 28, 2006
Tigers in five, but maybe a surprise
A column in which I incorrectly pick the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series in five games while still hedging my bets towards the end. Now that's how you take a stand! Oct. 21, 2006
Cards collapse of historic proportions
On the last day of the season, the St. Louis Cardinals dodged history and made the playoffs. Which is probably why I picked them to lose to the Tigers in a later column. Sept. 30, 2006
Pats looking for consistency
A column looking at that weekend's matchup between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos. Sept. 22, 2006
MVP race? It's Santana, stupid
The headline's a little harsh, but all the same, pitchers should win the MVP more often. Johan Santana definitely should have in '06, too. Sept. 15, 2006
Lopez has something to prove
I honestly thought the Red Sox trade for catcher Javy Lopez would work. Aug. 5, 2006
A-Rod's troubles not all his doing
I'm not an A-Rod believer, but in this column I look at some outside factors contributing to his difficulties. July 22, 2006
Results later; B's are back
Column written after the Boston Bruins free-agent signings of Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard. Sort of the opposite of the infamous 2005 O'Connell column. July 14, 2006
Fans confident Portugal can overcome
Feature previewing Portugal's World Cup 2006 match with England, including interviews with several Portuguese fans. July 1, 2006
Time to let experiment be history
A column dealing with my dislike of baseball's Interleague Play. May 19, 2006
Yanks-Sox brings out the craziest in fans
The mania surrounding all things Red Sox-Yankees is tough to take at times. And it's hard, as a writer, to walk the line between discussion and hysteria. May 12, 2006
Local pair join Lone Star lineup
Musicians Neal McCarthy and Jamie Toomey head down to Austin at the invitation of guitarist Stephen Bruton. May 5, 2006
No alarm in the Garden of failure
A look a the twin failures of the Boston Bruins and Celtics in the FleetCenter era. It really didn't look like either team was in a hurry to turn their fortunes around, either. April 22, 2006
Closer or starter, a bright future for Papelbon
Off the record, I thought he should have been a starter. And, wouldn't you know it, the folks who run the Boston Red Sox were right and I was wrong. April 7, 2006
Selig dropped the ball long ago
This is one of the angrier columns in my cannon. To this day, Bud Selig's handling of the steroid controversy in baseball disgusts me. March 31, 2006
Reality of sports hard to stomach
A column looking at how fans have it tough in regards to following their favorite players, only to watch them sign with new teams and be traded away. March 24, 2006
OUTLOOK: A sense of the visual
One of two contributions I made to a staff-wide project concerning all things SouthCoast. This looks at the local art scene. March 19, 2006
An overdue call to the Hall fills a void
A column looking at all the Negro League stars who were elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame that season. March 3, 2006
An embarrassment no longer
Column once again dealing with my favorite subject in sports, the Boston Bruins. Still critical of O'Connell, but believing in players like goalie Tim Thomas. Jan. 27, 2006
Rice should finally get Hall call
I was two years early, but with the lack of a big name on the ballot and the increasing respect for his accomplishments, I thought Jim Rice was ready to get the call to join the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jan. 8, 2006
10 things to look forward to in New Year
I always enjoy columns like this. Just a fun little list, really. Dec. 30, 2005
Red Sox brass deserve an earful
Want to know one of my angriest moments as a sports fan? Driving home to Quincy at 1 a.m. and hearing that the Red Sox had let Johnny Damon leave for the Yankees. I still love Damon, and this is still infuriating. Dec. 22, 2005
This Bledsoe story getting good
I've always respected Drew Bledsoe's approach to the game of football and his respect of the game. Dec. 16, 2005
Jays primed to shake things up
A column looking at the moves of the Toronto Blue Jays. For the record, they did finish ahead of the Red Sox in 2006. Dec. 9, 2005
A clueless O'Connell strikes again
Written in the wake of the Boston Bruins' shocking trade of Joe Thornton, I tear apart the deal in what is likely the harshest column I've written to date. An unintended consequence, this article likely cost me any chance at a future job with the Bruins. Dec. 2, 2005
It's business as usual without Theo
After Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein walked out on the team when contract talks broke down, the team went on dealing without him. He returned to the team a few weeks later. Nov. 26, 2005
Diving and hockey don't mix
I just to point out that I was an early member of the "Sean Avery Doesn't Belong in the NHL" club. I don't believe in villians for the sake of villians. Nov. 18, 2005
Is the empire creeping north?
The fall of 2005 was a dark time for the Boston Red Sox, and it looked very much like they were heading down the wrong path. I still don't believe fans should have to buy cards to validate their fandom, by the way. Nov. 4, 2005
Hockey's return met with open arms
In which I try to reconcile my anger towards Gary Bettman and company with the true feelings of joy at being able to watch NHL hockey again. Oct. 14, 2005
Wareham remains perfect
A high school football game story. Oct. 8, 2005
With season on the line, Wakefield ready to go
A preview of the Game 3 matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox in the ALDS. Oct. 7, 2005
Lefties take the hill today
A preview of the Game 2 matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox in the ALDS. Oct. 5, 2005
Red Sox have dealt with this before
Following their battering by the Chicago White Sox in their playoff opener the day before, I whipped up this quick rundown of other terrible postseason losses in Boston's history. Oct. 5, 2005
Anonymity follows division winners into playoffs
A scouting report on the Chicago White Sox, who were about to take on the defending champion Red Sox in the first round of baseball's playoffs. Oct. 4, 2005
The other Sox
This feature lets our readers in on the Chicago White Sox, the Second City's second team, who were on the verge of a run to the World Series. Oct. 4, 2005
SouthCoast fans plan to be quick with the clicker
A column that ran on A1 interviewing fans on key Red Sox and Patriots games that were on the schedule. Oct. 2, 2005
Entire season rests on three games
Counting down the Red Sox run to the playoffs in 2005. Sept. 30, 2005
He may be a DH, but Big Papi wins games
Part of a dueling column bit with my colleague Jon Couture, who (incorrectly) believed that Alex Rodriguez deserved to be the AL MVP in 2005. I threw my weight behind David Ortiz. Sept. 16, 2005
Good chemistry leads Bruton to New Bedford
A preview of guitarist Stephen Bruton's concert in New Bedford and his ties to local artist Neal McCarthy. Sept. 15, 2005
Playoff atmosphere already present
Another column looking at the neverending saga of the Red Sox and Yankees. Sept. 9, 2005
Playoff positions bought and paid for
This column looks at some of the lesser players in the Red Sox' and Yankees' run to the postseason. Sept 2, 2005
Schilling a solid bet, but it still might not be enough
Returning from injury, Curt Schilling was ready to save the Red Sox, but the 2005 squad was flawed from the beginning. Aug. 25, 2005
Era's sunset could be coming quick
A column on the latest in the Manny Ramirez saga in Boston. I really did believe that he was on his way out of Boston. He hung around for a few more years, and the exit turned out to be much uglier. July 29, 2005
Armstrong surpasses them all
Column written for A1 after Lance Armstrong won his seventh consecutive Tour de France. July 25, 2005
NHL back, but fans may not be
A column where I make the bold statement that the NHL cancelling a season in a desperate effort to save the Southern markets was a bad idea. July 15, 2005
Inanity by way of the ballots
Lord help me, it's a column about All-Star balloting. June 12, 2005
NBA won't follow NHL's lead
Unlike Gary Bettman, David Stern isn't dumb enough to flush an entire season for minimal gains. May 20, 2005
Memories of VE Day strong as ever in SouthCoast vets
A story where I interview a handful of local World War II veterans on their thoughts on the 60th anniversary of Victory-Europe Day. May 8, 2005
Arroyo's star is rising
Bronson Arroyo was hitting his stride to start 2005, and has since become a steady pitcher in the National League. He even has a couple of All Star Games to his credit. Just not the 2005 one. May 6, 2005
No capping a hat obsession
A silly little column where I talk about my love of hats. No, really. April 29, 2005
Imagine, it's Wake, not Nomar, as Mr. Red Sox
Tim Wakefield is certainly unique in pro sports these days, from the loyalty to his club to his contract to the way he pitches. April 22, 2005
They've got backup
A feature and review of In the Company Of ..., a CD by local musicians Neal McCarthy and Jamison Toomey. March 17, 2005
Much ado about nothing
I love spring training, except when people take it seriously. March 11, 2005
No. 8 marks Celtics' return to relevance
A column detailing how Antoine's return to Boston showed that the Celtics were committed to winning that year. March 4, 2005
Miracle on Ice renewed U.S. pride
A Sunday feature for the News side of the Standard-Times to acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the United States' hockey win over the Soviets at Lake Placid in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Feb. 27, 2005
Bonds bug you? Well, big deal
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Barry Bonds and his not-so-secret rise in the late stage of his career. But you can't accuse him of pandering to the media. Feb. 25, 2005
Gator sparks steroid shuffle
A look at what would happen if we actually tried to correct every award handed out since 1988. This was one of my most-linked columns, and coincidentally, Rick Reilly wrote practically the same thing in 2008. I'm fairly certain he has no idea who I am. Feb. 18, 2005
Giambi steps up to the plate ... and takes another hit
Written after Yankees Jason Giambi slugger kinda sorta apologized for steroid use but not really because he couldn't. Looking back, though, Giambi was the only one who even tried to step up and accept responsibility for his actions, as least until Andy Pettite in 2008. Feb. 11, 2005
Fans celebrate Pats dynasty
Feature-y news item from A1 about the New England Patriots' "Rolling Rally" following their third Super Bowl win in four years. I'm still not convinced there were as many people there as the cops said, but there sure were a lot. Feb. 9, 2005
Brady joins an impressive list of heroes
After I wrote this column, I got a nice note from Dartmouth High School girls basketball coach (and my eighth grade algebra teacher) Jeff Hoyle, who wrote to tell me about the heroics of Dartmouth High's Jess Gaspar in the girls tournament in the late 1990s. I told him that if I ever wrote a column on local sports heroics, I would definitely include her. Mr. Hoyle, if you ever find this, please note that I haven't forgotten. Jan. 28, 2005
Spotlight off T.O., Eagles soar
I stand by the fact that Terrell Owens is a horrible addition to any football team, and his talents are more than negated by every ounce of garbage he brings along with him. Using Freddie Mitchell to make that point might not've been the best way to do that. Jan. 21, 2005
The pro sports geniuses strike again
Written in reaction to the Anaheim Angels renaming themselves the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim." My colleague and friend Jon Couture has taken to calling them the "Los Anaheim Angels," a term that I've borrowed on occasion. Jan. 7, 2005
Mediocre Celtics worth watching
I really do find joy in watching middling, but enthusiastic, teams with a bright future. And most of the young Celtics from this team have gone on to prove themselves worthy of their NBA roster spots. Dec. 31, 2004
Cam scores three at the Garden
For a special Christmas day section, the entire sports department was asked to write a quick bit about their favorite sports memory. Mine was my first trip to the Boston Garden, where Cam Neely scored a hat trick in the first period. He's still my all-time favorite athlete. Dec. 25, 2004
Fans frozen out
A column looking at how the NHL's lockout was affecting local hockey fans. Dec. 17, 2004
Say it ain't so, Pedro
A man-on-the-street feature for A1 chronicling Pedro Martinez's decision to leave the Red Sox and sign with the New York Mets. Dec. 14, 2004
Just what makes a Hall of Famer?
A look at some candidates of for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. It is still ridiculous, to me, that Bert Blyleven isn't in, or that it took Jim Rice 15 years to make it. Dec. 3, 2004
Star crossed: Robert Downey Jr. joins checkered line of actors turned musicians
A fun feature on Downey's then-new music career, as well as a wrap-up of other actors who have tried their hand behind the mic. Nov. 26, 2004
An outrage for a whole new reason
This column led to easily the most hate mail I've ever received. I might tone it down a bit if I had to write it now, but I stand by the argument 100 percent. Nov. 19, 2004
Free angent frenzy set to start again
A column looking at some key free agents of the 2004 offseason, as well as my predictions as to where they'd eventually sign. I went 1-5. Nov. 12, 2004
The other team on an incredible run
A look at the New England Revolution's playoff run. One wish I have is that soccer writing in the mainstream won't always feel like such an uphill battle. Nov. 5, 2004
Rally rolls through Cloud 9
A column written for the front section of the paper detailing the bliss and euphoria of the Red Sox' championship parade of 2004. Never has a rainy Saturday felt so good. Oct. 31, 2004
Sox fans find it hard to believe
After the Red Sox fell behind 0-2 to the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS, I was asked to write a story expressing the grief Sox fans were feeling. Who knew we were all just a week away from the greatest comeback in baseball history? Oct. 15, 2004
Montreal left in baseball's dust
I still believe that what Bud Selig and Major League Baseball did to the city of Montreal borders on criminal. But in the end, they won, didn't they? Sickening. Oct. 1, 2004
Pharewell to Phish: Fans flock to final shows as band says goodbye
A review of Phish's two shows in Mansfield, run on the day that their Coventry festival began. In 2009, though, Phish got back together. I didn't get a chance to see them. Aug. 14, 2004
Prospecting an inexact science
A column looking at some of the Sox deadline deals where they shipped off prospects in return for a veteran. Also, interestingly enough, this was the first installment of my Friday sports column, which ran just about every Friday through the end of 2006. Aug. 6, 2004
It was the same old scene at my house
Portuguese soccer is no laughing matter, especially when the Euro is on the line. July 5, 2004
Sometimes, fame doesn't come as a positive
Easily one of my proudest and most embarrassing moments ever. I got a chance to take a shot during the first intermission of a Bruins game, and, woah, hoo boy ... March 7, 2004
End of the road for Viking girls
Wareham's girls basketball team bows out of the state tournament in Mansfield. Feb. 25, 2004
Keeping the beat
A feature on the music people listen to while they work out, and what gets them moving at the gym. Feb. 21, 2004
A terrific Problem
A feature chronicling the always-interesting musical journey of local musician Neal McCarthy and his band, the Neal McCarthy Problem. For the record, McCarthy is a fun, fantastic guitarist who really doesn't take off nights. If you get the chance, go see him — he's a blast. Jan. 1, 2004
A smooth operation: Dr. Brian Pettiford brings calm, committment to his new job as heart surgeon
A feature on a surgeon who had recently arrived in the SouthCoast of Massachusetts. Dec. 30, 2003
Nomar for Sox MVP: Quiet, but strong
Oh boy. My first column, a defense of Nomar Garciaparra as the Red Sox' MVP of 2003. Not the strongest stance in the world, but I did my best to make it work. Sept. 25, 2003
Confessions of a Pearl Jam junkie
A feature chronicling my mini-trek following Pearl Jam for two weeks. This story was later published at www.giventowail.com, a Mike McCready fan site, as well. July 27, 2003
Third time could be charm for NBH
A preview of the New Bedford girls lacrosse team's tournament. May 31, 2003
Coin flip lands Lakers in hot water
A preview of the Apponequet boys tennis team's tournament. May 29, 2003
Stang's Dylan Carey is Stanford-bound
A feature on a gymnast on his way to college. January 10, 2003
Galligan's hat trick lifts Indians
High school hockey game story. I still like writing with gloves on. Dec. 31, 2002
Whalers, Spartans to meet in Christmas Tournament final
Game coverage of the first-round of the New Bedford Christmas Tournament, which pits Dartmouth, New Bedford, Bishop Stang and GNB Voc-Tech in a holiday hockey tournament. Dec. 21, 2002
Overcoming obstacles: Stephanie Guy of Apponequet
The girls' side of the Player of the Year series. Dec. 6, 2002
Rosinha ahead of the pack
Part of that season's "Player of the Year" series. Funny enough, this kid was my teammate a couple of years earlier at Dartmouth high. Dec. 5, 2002
Solid effort important to Bears, Spartans
A preview of the Thanksgiving Day football matchup between GNB Voc-Tech and Bishop Stang. Nov. 27, 2002
UMD men drop Hampton Inn final
Game story covering the U-Mass Dartmouth men's basketball team. Nov. 24, 2002
UMD overcomes injuries in blowout
A game story showing that, sure enough, the UMD men's basketball team was in decent shape. Nov. 23, 2002
Injuries temper promise of UMD men's basketball
A preview of U-Mass Dartmouth's basketball season opener. Nov. 22, 2002
Fairhaven cheerleaders aim for regional championship
To date, I believe this is still my only story covering cheerleading. Nov. 17, 2002
UMD's Super Marino Brothers help lead charge
A feature on three brothers who were key to U-Mass Dartmouth's football team. Nov. 15, 2002
Spartans lose ninth straight
A high school football game story. After I turned this in, my editor turned to me and said, "I have to say, that is the best positive spin on a 42-0 loss I've ever seen." Nov. 10, 2002
Old faces come together at Eastern Mass. meet
A preview of an important meet featuring a few SouthCoast schools. Nov. 8, 2002
Apponequet bows out in heartbreaker
Girls volleyball tournament game story. They take their volleyball very seriously. Nov. 7, 2002
ORR falls to top seed in tournament
Chronicling Old Rochester's girls volleyball team being eliminated in that year's playoffs. Nov. 5, 2002
Sedlack sets new mark as Whalers advance
The New Bedford girls volleyball team take a step forward in their tournament. Nov. 3, 2002
Whalers, Indians headline local volleyball seeds
A preview of the upcoming girls volleyball tournament. Oct. 31, 2002
Wellesley sends Apponequet field hockey packing
A field hockey game story detailing the Lakers' ousting from the tournament. Oct. 30, 2002
New Bedford edges Voc-Tech boys soccer team
The headline pretty much sums this one up. Oct. 15, 2002
Fairhaven pushes Scituate to the brink
A high school football game story. Fairhaven didn't quite have enough. Oct. 5, 2002
Stang falls short in Mashpee
High school football. Not mentioned in the story, since Mashpee was out of our coverage area, was that this was their first win in about three years. Sept. 21, 2002
Medeiros, Voc-Tech battle back to tie
A high school boys soccer game story. Sept. 19, 2002
Lakers court big changes
A preview of Apponequet High School's girls volleyball season. Sept. 15, 2002
Local skater making big strides
A feature on a local figure skater who was making a name for herself in the rink. Aug. 31, 2002
Fortin takes Fairhaven the distance
Fairhaven wins the third and final game in their Legion playoff series with Plymouth. July 27, 2002
Plymouth takes Fairhaven to third game
Continuing coverage in this Legion playoff series. July 26, 2002
Wotten puts Fairhaven on top in playoff opener
American Legion baseball playoffs. For the record, the photo goes with another story, it's just a Web error. July 25, 2002
Spindle City tops Post 1
An American Legion baseball game story between Fall River and New Bedford squads. July 6, 2002
Dartmouth bats have Post 307 thinking playoffs
A pretty basic American Legion game story. I was still getting my feet wet, to be honest. July 4, 2002
Fairhaven jumps out early, coasts past Swansea
An American Legion baseball game story. More importantly (to me), this was my first official by-line in The Standard-Times. June 22, 2002