Bierman’s Six Pack: Issue #13
Welcome to this week’s Six Pack! Each week, I’ll share a mix of thoughts – some sports-related, some not – and I’d love for you to jump in with your reactions, ideas, or recommendations in the comments. Here’s what’s on my mind this week.
𝟏. 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
My wife and two of my three kids made the trip to Columbus last week for a Blue Jackets game. We try to go to one or two games a year – we’re not a huge hockey family, but we always enjoy being there, especially when we splurge for seats down near the glass like we did on Tuesday.
But this game was a little extra special because we got to see Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto take the ice. Shane is the son of longtime Sandman Nation member Frank Pinto, and since being drafted 32nd overall back in 2019, he’s steadily improved each season. He’s become a key part of this year’s Senators team, helping snap the third-longest playoff drought in the NHL and getting them back to the postseason for the first time since 2017.
I had emailed Shane and Frank before the game, and while I figured Shane would be locked in during warmups, he still took the time to come over, smile and wave at Cooper, and then flipped him a puck. That might seem like a small gesture in the moment, but to an 11-year-old kid it’s a memory he will never forget. Cooper was on cloud nine the rest of the night. He’s always rooted for Shane (mostly because he knew I did), but now? He’s got a lifelong fan in Cooper, no question about it.
The Blue Jackets ended up winning the game, but Shane Pinto absolutely walked out of that arena a winner in our eyes.
𝟐. 𝐃𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬
Speaking of Cooper, our school district puts on a really cool event every year called Lakota March Madness – a two-week basketball tournament for 1st through 5th graders. Each elementary school forms a few teams just for this event, and they all square off in a bracket-style, single elimination tournament. I’ve had the chance to coach Cooper the last four years (and coached his older brother Brady before that), and while we only get two or three practices, the whole point is simple: just have fun and let the kids compete.
Which is why I was so frustrated to get a couple emails from the event coordinator — not about scheduling or logistics, but about sportsmanship. The first email reminded all coaches that kids are supposed to get fairly equal playing time – and warned that failure to do so could lead to a forfeit. Sure enough, two days later, it happened. A ref had to call a game after repeatedly warning a coach who kept certain kids on the bench. Yikes.
The second email was even worse. It shared that one coach refused to let his team shake hands with the other team after a loss. What are we doing here? Honestly, few things get my blood boiling more than adults setting terrible examples for impressionable kids. This is meant to be fun. It’s two weeks. The “champion” gets no trophy, no prize, just memories.
So let’s stop taking this stuff so seriously. Let the kids play, let them enjoy being part of a team, and for the love of all things decent, let’s teach them how to win – and lose – the right way.
As the song goes… “Teach your children well.”
𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡
Here’s a little blast from the past – does anyone out there remember a show from the late ’70s or early ’80s called The Baseball Bunch?
It was hosted by none other than Johnny Bench (yep that Johnny Bench) and the whole premise was basically him teaching a bunch of kids about baseball fundamentals, drills, and tips.
And because it was the early ’80s and things got weird sometimes, they threw in occasional guest appearances by the San Diego Chicken and none other than Tommy Lasorda… dressed as a mystical figure named “The Dugout Wizard,” who appeared in a crystal ball to dispense baseball wisdom. Guys, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried.
It wasn’t my favorite show growing up and baseball was never my favorite sport, but I still remember thinking it was really cool that a bunch of kids got to learn the game from one of the best to ever play it. And to his credit, Johnny Bench held his own in the lead role.
Anyway, just a random memory that popped up the other day and made me smile. Anyone else remember this one? Or have a favorite under-the-radar sports show from back in the day? Drop it in the comments if you do!
𝟒. 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮
I’ve said it before: I’m not necessarily anti-NIL. I’m ok with players getting paid. But the Nico Iamaleava saga has really irritated me.
He made $2.4M last year, threw 19 touchdowns (11 of which came against Chattanooga, UTEP, and Vanderbilt), and now wants double that? When Tennessee didn’t cave, he “held out”. Seriously, he ghosted practice and eventually hit the portal. Good riddance.
Props to Tennessee for holding the line. As Heupel said: “No one is bigger than the Power T.” Amen. You can’t let one college player – especially one who hasn’t truly proven it – dictate the direction of your entire program.
But this is the new college football. Players hopping in the portal every six months, shopping for bigger NIL deals. As a Michigan fan, I’ll be fine. The big dogs like Michigan, Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas will always be able to compete in this new reality. But I genuinely feel for the 80% of fanbases now watching their best players bolt for bigger NIL checks. Schools like Washington State, Kansas, South Carolina, and Texas Tech (and the list could go on and on) – how are they supposed to build anything?
We’ve reached a point where loyalty is gone, greed is creeping in, continuity is rare, and coaches are stuck managing salary caps like they’re NFL GM’s. And while I know there’s no putting the toothpaste back in the tube, I just miss the version of college football I fell in love with – the one where kids stayed, teams grew together, and the locker room mattered more than the bank account (or at least more than $2.4M).
I am glad Tennessee said no. I’m glad they drew a line. And I hope other programs take notice because until someone starts pushing back, this sport is going to keep spiraling.
It might “just be business” now, but don’t blame me for still wanting a little bit of college football to feel like college football.
𝟓. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧
It rained last week in Cincinnati – a lot – to the point where people were actually kayaking near downtown. So, in honor of all that wetness falling from the sky, I figured I’d lean in and have a little fun. So grab your umbrella, fire up your Spotify, and let’s rank the Top 5 Songs with “Rain” in the Title.
5. “𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙈𝙚𝙣” – 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨
Don’t roll your eyes. I know it’s campy. I know it’s over the top. But if you claim you don’t sing along to this when it comes on the radio, you’re either lying or dead inside. It’s infectious, it’s fun, and it’s totally earned its place in pop culture. Bonus points if you have ever belted it out during karaoke.
4. “𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣” – 𝙀𝙪𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙨
Not a band I usually gravitate toward, but this tune I like. Haunting lyrics, moody synths, and a melody that makes you want to stare out the window dramatically. It’s a vibe. And considering how perfectly it fits this category, it slides into the #4 spot without much debate.
3. “𝙒𝙝𝙤’𝙡𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣” 𝙖𝙣𝙙 “𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣” – 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡
The rare double entry. Same band. Two rain-titled hits. Both classics. “Who’ll Stop the Rain” came first in 1970 and hit #2 on the charts. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” followed in ’71 and peaked at #8. To be honest, they both kinda blend together in my brain – same swampy CCR groove, same melancholy rain themes – but both absolutely hit the mark. If I had to pick? I’m probably going “Who’ll Stop” by a nose. But it’s basically a coin flip.
2. “𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣” – 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚
One of Prince’s signature songs. It’s not necessarily my favorite Prince track, but “Purple Rain” is iconic – the guitar solo, the raw emotion, the build-up. Now if the movie could have just been better.
1. “𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣” – 𝙂𝙪𝙣𝙨 𝙉’ 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙨
This was an easy call. I’m a big GNR fan and while “Sweet Child O’ Mine” will always be my #1, “November Rain” is a very close second. It’s long – really long – but that’s part of its greatness. You get piano, strings, epic guitar solos, Axl being dramatic… what more do you want?! And the video isn’t bad either. I will never not love this song.
Those are my picks – but I know you’ve got thoughts, too. What “rain” songs would make your list? Drop your top tracks in the comments and let the storm of opinions begin.
𝟔. 𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫
Sometimes big sporting events disappoint (Anyone remember Seattle 43, Denver 8?). But other times they absolutely deliver and Sunday at the Masters brought it big time.
I’ll try not to get swept up in hyperbole here, but outside of watching Phil win his first on Easter Sunday back in ’04, this might be the most compelling, satisfying Masters I’ve ever watched. I’ve never been a Tiger guy, so while his win in 2019 was cool and I respected it, this Rory win hit me much differently.
I was at a restaurant with family, and the entire place was rooting for Rory. I know he has a few detractors, but not many – and this felt like everyone in America was pulling for him. And to add it to it all, the LIV drama made it even better. I get why players take the money, and I don’t necessarily blame them, but Rory has stayed loyal to the PGA. He’s been the face and the voice of it (no disrespect to Scottie), so to see him go head-to-head with a LIV guy like Bryson (who I actually like too) and come out on top was just awesome.
It was such a roller coaster. Rory starts with a double bogey. A few holes later, back-to-back birdies. Then he’s up four shots heading into the final nine, only to bogey three holes AND double 13. It felt like it might be slipping away. But he battled. He tossed in a few birdies along the way and somehow kept it together just enough.
It would’ve been great if he sank that putt on 18 to win it in regulation (and save all of us from heart palpitations), but we didn’t have to wait long. On the first playoff hole, Justin Rose hits a great approach… then Rory steps up and puts it inside a few feet. Rose misses. Rory sinks it. Boom.
And now Rory joins a very exclusive club, becoming only the sixth golfer ever to complete the career grand slam (Sarazen, Hogan, Nicklaus, Player, Woods… and now Rory). Pretty amazing.
Congrats, Rory. It wasn’t easy, but you finally got your green jacket. And you made a lot of us really happy doing it.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤’𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! I’d love to hear your thoughts: what resonated with you, what you disagree with, or your own takes on these topics. Drop your comments and let’s keep the conversation going.
If you liked this one, here are some other recent Six-Pack issues as well:
