The people close to me understand that I have a certain fondness for a particular malted beverage that started in Boston and is named after a father of the American Revolution. This fondness may border on a certain obsession due the fact I do not frequent establishment that fail to carry my brand. So as I did my All Star piece, I was thinking about all of the people in the past few years that have brought me back into lacrosse after a long hiatus. They are just as important to the sport. They are the glue, or in some cases duct tape and prayer, that holds the little things together. Would it not be great if these people got some recognition for their work behind the scenes? Well if a certain former coach turned announcer can have his own select team, then without further ado I present the first, and probably last, All Sam Team (not sure I can put in the full name of the beer but I think you get the idea). Individuals that you just want to go have a beer with and tell them that we all appreciate the work you put into this game we all love.
Scott Rodgers AKA The Big Rig: Scott was the starting goalie for the Ohio Machine and was hurt in the first game against the Florida Launch. Brian Phipps stepped in and took over the starting roll. Scott never complained and is the biggest advocate the Ohio Machine and preaches to all players to put in the work and be team guys not me guys. Something tells me it will be a big beer.
Jerry Ragonese has his fingers and toes in so many ventures including but not limited to: coaching, uniform development and sales, as well as lacrosse equipment. These are just the things we know about from social media. The person finding a way to clone Ragonese’s time management skills will make a fortune. Does this man sleep? Sorry Jerry, but the wheat beers scare me so it will have to be a pilsner or lager.
Megan Danner is not a player but she works as hard as any player to put a finished product on the field every game. She represents all the MLL team staff that toil to get players in on Thursday nights, make hotel reservations, book transportation and meals as well as coordinate the game day production and events with volunteers. She does everything short of line the field and word on the street has it she knows how to do that. You’re my girl Megan! War Eagle! Yes I still owe you that t-shirt.
P.T. Ricci won a championship with the Boston Cannons and was traded to Florida Launch when they relocated from Hamilton. He coaches at Loyola and is one of many Greyhounds in the MLL. He was one of the first MLL players to reach out to me on Twitter. He is having a solid year as usual and is the one of the guys that helps grow the game.
I voted for Chris Mattes as an All Star because he was having a good year facing off but was on a team with a losing record. Chris is a founder and coach of the Face Off Academy as well as another road warrior that crisscrosses the country growing the game. Chris also plays for the German National Team and had one of the highest face off percentages in the FIL games.
Some of the media writers need some love here as well:
Tom Bovee has the ability to break things down and reins in some of my more fantastic notions. Tom’s honest and informative opinions are words of wisdom that need to he heeded. Thanks for keeping me on track and giving back to the game. I also have learned that sarcasm is a form of respect and friendship!
Joe Keegan gets my fascination with Boston and he got me back into looking at stats. It was never a strong part of my playing days and I wish it had been now. He is willing to dissect any aspect of the game with incredible detail that still astounds me. It’s a Boston thing! Still owe you those wings!
Kyle Devitte has the sharp wit, quick mind, and incredible insight into the MLL. His constant call to arms to support the game is a source of motivation. He proclaims that the MLL is the best version of lacrosse played by the best players in the world. After following him on Twitter for a few years and reading his columns…he is right…as usual. The only downside is that my column posts the same day as his.
Ryan Conwell writes for In Lacrosse We Trust as well as coaches youth lacrosse. In addition to this Ryan is a stick doctor that saves kids from using badly strung sticks. Sounds trivial, but it if kids have a bad experience with their first stick then it turns them off from the sport.
Bull Dodge Lax is one of the most passionate fans of the MLL and has no problem sharing his love of the sport and his opinion. You always know where you stand with him and if you are not a fan of the MLL and the New York Lizards just stay away. Since both of us share a love of good beer it will be more than one.
Let’s not forget my editor, Marisa Ingemi, who is constantly pushing us for more articles and coverage of the sport. I have to wonder if she sleeps based on the amount of articles she produces. Marisa also manages a evolving stable of writers with varying backgrounds. She approached me about writing and getting back into lacrosse and here we are now.
