#25 President Barack Hussein ‘O’Bomber’ Obama

Politics as Usual

Kennedy sailed.

Obama hoops.

We’re taking out the bowling alley in the White House and we’re putting in a basketball court

Sports are more than just games, they are vehicles that help integrate people of varying backgrounds, races, and income-classes. Playgrounds, as much as classrooms, are birth places for skills like leadership, teamwork, and networking.

The most evident example of how a sport has helped to successfully build one’s character, and personal and business relationships, is to look at the importance of basketball to the character and career of President Obama.

Links to stories, jerseys, and pictures after the jump

MLB’s All Venezuela

Nevermind Simón Bolívar or Hugo Chavez, let’s talk about El Gran Gato!

Here’s a starting line-up of active major leaguers who hail from the South American country of Venezuela. This country of approx 29 Million has produced some of the best performing and highest paid major league baseball players in the history of the game in the USA.

C – Victor Martinez 2004, 2007 All-Star

1B – Carlos Guillen 2004, 2007, 2008 All-Star

2B – Jose Lopez 2006 All-Star

ss – Omar Vizquel 11-time Gold Glove Short Stop, 3-time All-Star

3B – Miguel Cabrera 2008 AL Home-run and Total Base Leader

LF – Magglio Ordonez 6-time All-Star, 2007 AL Batting Champ (.363)

CF – Endy Chavez “The Catch”

RF – Bobby Abreu 2004, 2005 All-Star, 2005 Gold Glove Winner

SP – Johan Santana 3-time All Star, 2-time Cy Young (2006 Triple Crown), 2007 Gold Glove

PITCHING STAFF

SP – Felix Hernandez Youngest Player in Baseball in 2005, 2006 (April 8, 1986)

SP – Carlos Zambrano 3-time All-Star, 2009 Salary: $18.7 Million!

SP – Kelvim Escobar 2002 – 38 Saves, 2007 – 18 Wins

SP – Carlos Silva Set the Record for Fewest Pitches thrown in 9-inning Complete Game (74)

P – Anibal Sanchez No-hitter in 13th career start

RP – Francisco ‘K-Rod’ Rodriguez 3-time All-Star, MLB Single Season record for saves (62)

Notable Mention:  Cesar Izturis 2004 NL Gold Glove, 2008 All Star Catcher Dioner Navarro, 2-time All Star Infielder Melvin Mora