Sometimes, it appears winning isn't enough

I’m sitting a chatting with one of my boys one night this week and, as usual, there’s a lament for the state of professional sports in this city.

You know the deal: There are Grade 2 kids who don’t know the glory of a first-round playoff ouster for the Leaves; the HOTH haven’t been in the playoffs in half a decade; TOD haven’t sniffed a series since the early-90s and the TFCs have had almost as many coaches as seasons.

Nice city you’ve got there.

And then my man Steve says, as he is wont to do, “sure, there’s a winning team, it’s just that no one seems to care.”

That, folks, sadly sums up the Argos, doesn’t it?

We long lamented the fact that team doesn’t get much attention from the general public and it was my point a while ago that some level of interest and respect would come with winning because this area seems starved for some kind of sporting success.

Well, it’s got it. The Argos are tied for first in their division, they’ve won four of six, they have some intriguing talent and yet remain so far off the radar for the general public it’s not funny.

I’ve seen more than a few games this year – or at least large parts of them – and the quarterback’s skilled, I really like this Inman kid our man Mitchell wrote about today, Chad Owens can make a big play at any time from anywhere on the field and the Running Back Who Is Not Cory Boyd seems quite good.

It’s a fun team, it appears, and, for now at least, is giving people around here what they say they want: A winner.

Guess I don’t buy that theory.

I wonder if Toronto sports fans aren’t happy unless they’re unhappy because a team having some success can’t capture enough imaginations to work its way into the casual conversations that sports fans have all the time.

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I’ll just say I can watch Omar Vizquel field ground balls for hours quite contently and watching him make those two plays at second base last night just affirmed it to me.

There is little in all sports that’s more graceful and quick than good baseball defence.

And I know Vizquel’s destined for the Hall of Fame but, man, I’m glad he got to play a season here so we could see him more often.

A joy.

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Cat? Go among the pigeons.

Figured I’d get to this one early, maximize reaction (tee-hee)

Q: Hi Doug. There's so little BBall going on I have nothing to say/ask. Maybe as a Torontonian and sports fan you'll indulge me some local politics. What is your take on the heat Mayor Ford got for taking time out of the day to coach his local football team?

Some folks think he shouldn't use 'company time' for that, but personally I think it is great the City's leader would spend some time in the community doing grass roots stuff.

What do you think?

David W, Toronto

A: Well, you asked and since I’m not a Torontonian – I (heart) Hazelville right now – I’m not going to get into politics, per se. At least not today.

Look, I have no problem with anyone volunteering their time to coach kids, I do it myself and find it incredibly rewarding to see house league baseball players have fun and become better ball players from when they start in May and end in late August or September. It’s fun, it’s a challenge and I hope the kids get something out of it; I know I do.

That said …

There is no way on this Earth that the mayor of a city of 4 million or whatever it is, should blow off the majority of an executive committee meeting – long-scheduled, as I’ve come to know – to coach a practice, a game, a scrimmage or whatever. Those meetings are big, it’s the de-facto cabinet for the city, and can’t be blown off to coach minor football for goodness sakes.

I don’t, for a second, buy the line about the kids won’t play if he’s not there; that’s hubris to the worst degree, if there aren’t assistants who can handle one practice once a month, well, that team’s in bad hands.

Your dutifully elected Mayor, to these eyes, is a bully and a blowhard, small-minded and petulant and is enabled by his equally blustery, small-minded brother.

Yes, it’s good that he’s a coach of a kids team, all the power to him on that one. But work is work; big meetings are big meetings and he needs to govern when it’s necessary and not run away from his responsibility.

I get that being Mayor is a 24/7 job – heck, in some ways it’s like mine, you always have to be ready to work – and there’s a need to get away whenever you can and do something you love. But you have to pick your spots, and, shockingly, Ford made a wrong decision. Go figure!

Have at it.

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Oh yeah, anyone got any more mail?

Click. Write. Send. Allow me to vent.

Thanks.

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Raptors? Well, a couple of key guys – Lowry and Calderon – are due in today, there are already half a dozen or so guys hanging around town and I’m told the whole squad should be here by the middle of next week and the fun can begin.

It’ll be those informal workouts and scrimmages and drills to start and the two main things they need to get accomplished in the two or so weeks before the official opening of training camp is to get to know each other and get into some kind of better game shape.

None of them were totally slothful over the summer and will show up 20 pounds overweight but having a couple of weeks of hard work and time in the weight room should have them ready to hit the ground running when Dwane can officially get at them starting Oct. 2. Championships, or even playoff spots, aren’t won at this time of year but a foundation can be built and that’s as important as anything.

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Comments

[Mike K.]

I think the lack of attention paid to the Argos, at least from my point of view, has less to do with winning/losing than with the level of competition in the NBA and MLB as opposed to the CFL. The Raps and Jays are generally competing against the best in the world in their respective sports; that's not even remotely true for the Argos (or TFC for that matter).

[Sharkey]

I work for the Argos, and I have to say, there's some attention being picked up. Argos crowds have risen into the 22,000 to 25,000 range this year, way up from last season. It still feels small because Rogers Centre is a giant building, and the same 22,000 people feels small in there for a Jays game. If the Argos had a more intimate stadium seating 25,000 to 30,000 -- you know, like BMO Field retro-fitted for CFL football -- it would create a far better atmosphere.

But still, there's attention being paid, especially after the last two wins against the Ti-Cats. When my buddies and I were walking to Shoeless Joe's on King for the post-game party people lined up for TIFF were asking if the Argos won. We started a "Let's go Argos!" chant on King Street and the crowd picked up on it, even the cops controlling the line-ups started chanting along. That's a sign to me people are starting to notice that the Argos have a legit chance. And hey, we got 4 home games left and a real good chance for at least one home playoff game. Come on down to Rogers Centre and watch the Argos this year!

[Tell'em Butterfield sent ya]

hard to disagree with your take on Ford Doug.

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

Not quite sure about your sanity this morning.... FORD NATION is only a stones throw from your beloved Hazelville. Hope you barred the gates this morning. I'm not worried though, pretty sure the huns who run FordNation have no knowledge of the fair lands of tall trees and ravines we call Oakville. Seriously though, why poke the bear? (even if you are 100% correct and well spoken).

After seeing that photo there is only one thing left to be said...

Oskee Wee Wee, Oskee Wa Wa, Holy Macinaw, Ti-Cats Eat Em RAW! Lots of football left.!

[sam]

I'm not a football guy, but certainly appreciate the history of the Argo's. Sadly, I haven't been to a game since a beer company took a motorhome full of folks from my home town to a game at Exibition Stadium. In my eyes, not since Doug Flutie, has there been a guy that Toronto and surrounding communities could get excited about. Perhaps that's not a popular decision. . .
I do have friends that are season ticket holders and totally enjoy the experience.

I'm not a Toronto guy, but casually follow the follies of Toronto's Mayor. Perhaps my vintage has shaded my view of things, but it seems that no matter what Ford does - there will be critics, as well as supporters. The idea that he likes to coach kids football is alright with me. To me he seems to have an oversized ego and as history has shown, not much of a sense of humour about his place in Canadian Politics.

[Eric-in-NS]

"I wonder if Toronto sports fans aren’t happy unless they’re unhappy"

Sure seems true from here in NS.

[Cluck Kent]

The CFL is a tier 2 pro league. Nonetheless, I suspect that the Argos will be in the big game this year. It would be as good theatre as you could get.

You know, I undertand that the Star has a particularly prickly relationship with Rob Ford and I'm in no way a Ford apologist, but he was the tonic needed to wash away the self serving, pretentious stench of the previous Mayor. It is indeed clear that the local big wheel intelligencia can't stand their 'world class' city being represented by a fat buffoon and much like the Republicans in the US they are willing to try and discredit him in any way they can. It's too bad that he is a doofus and is flanked by his even bigger doofus brother Doug. Being of portly stature myself, I had hoped he would represent large folks well, but alas he has fallen victim to his own press as well and while different from the previous mayor is showing signs of entitlement. In no way should he blow off exec meetings to go coach - none of us can do that and we're not running billion dollar businesses. If he was smart he'd shut up and get back to trying to reduce the spending at city hall and perhaps if he was really smart, he'd send his brother to a small island somewhere that had no maens of communication with the outside world. But I suppose those are big 'ifs'.

I'm glad to hear the Hoth are coming back but I wish they'd ponied up like they did five years ago and started a month earlier than every one else. That showed commitment and a desire to win and got them nearly to the second round.

[james]

I don't think Rob Ford really likes being mayor. He seemed to have much more fun ripping his predecessor from a councillor's chair. Viewed from a distance, by contrast, Mel Lastman may have been no more competent than Ford, but it was always clear he was having a blast.
Amen on Omar. Maybe he could be talked into one more year.
I suppose Toronto football folk prefer NFL fantasies to a winning team in a league that's much more fun. Does the mayor show leadership by attending Argo games or is he waiting for the Bills?

[Wilber]

Brave, Doug, although by your association with Mother Star, you're already not in the good books of Ford Nation so why not.

If a football player isn't performing or showing full commitment to their team, the team cuts them. Time for Toronto to cut it's mayor. Can we negotiate a trade with Calgary? What's the state of the mayoralty free agent market? Any hidden mayor prospects being stashed in Europe?

Nice to see Joey Dorsey breaking backboards in Greece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1D-J57RTrE&feature=player_embedded

[billy]

Love how the basketball guy rags on the Argos.
As if anybody cares about the NBA in Tranna?

I mean Argos get bigger TV numbers in the GTA then the RAptors get.
Argos don't have the luxury of having big daddy Maple Leafs subsidize them like the basketball team does.
Forcing Maple Leaf season ticket holders to buy basketball tickets.
Funny how the pro NBA media rarely mention this fact eh?

And the cFL is a "tier two league"?
What is the tier one league in CAnada then you rocket scientists?

LIke you don't like a league becasue it ain't got the US seal of approval, don't try and speak for other people pal.

Because when it comes to the NBA, you';re in a glass house.

Blogger's note: Real words. Written by, apparently, real people. I (heart) my job
.

[Mike D.]

I'm not particularly fussed about the so-called "scandal" related to Rob Ford's coaching assistants and whose cellphone number they give out......that's small potatoes. But you hit the big picture nail right on the head: you can't be the part-time mayor of the largest city in Canada. It's a credit to Ford as a coach (on and off the field) that he's unwilling to break the multi-year commitment he made to those kids, but he also made a multi-year commitment to the citizens of Toronto. He's choosing to honour only the one that's easier and more fun.

[sam]

I'm wondering if @billy actually read the blog. It seems Doug was supportive of the Argos.

Blogger's note: Yes, it is to wonder

[Cluck Kent]

Look, I don't watch football - NFL, CFL or any other, so I've got no skin in that game. I'm afraid you shot substantially wide of the mark and exposed yourself there a bit. I've heard that NFL guys make fun of the CFL and perhaps you're sensitive to that, I don't know. My comments were made specifically on the fact that the CFL is mainly made up of players that can't make it in the NFL. Guys generally don't choose the CFL over the NFL anymore than guys in the NBA prefer to play for the D league.

Call it what you will but the CFL doesn't have the tier one players. A better strategy here would be to show me I'm wrong rather than just rant.

[Keith Wagar]

Love the Argos, but the most successful sports franchise in Toronto is --- Toronto Rock. Play in the only pro lacrosse league and have somewhere around 6 championships in less than 15 seasons. Equivalent for Jays would be around 12 for Leafs close to 40! And lacrosse is Canada's national sport by act of parliament sometime in the 1880's. Never changed!

[james]

Cluck raises an interesting question: Is it necessary to always see "the best" players in order to enjoy a sport? I would argue it is not. No team was more enjoyable to watch this summer in my world than the Canadian women's b'ball team and it certainly had nothing to do with them being "the best". It had to do with teamwork, effort and the arc of a story a decade or more in the making. With respect to the CFL, does one want to see Canadians play football or not? There was a spectacular game a couple of years ago between Queen's and Laval that was one of the five or so best football games I have ever seen and there probably weren't more than a half-dozen participants who ever played professionally.

[LakeSimcoe]

I am also not a Torontarian, but would I go where all kids love me, rather than attend a boring meeting with some (or many) picky opponents? You think the meeting would always be joyful or fruitful?

And a high level executive, should be measured by what he achieves, not by 24/7 attendance or show, and .... misdemeanor (which someone very fond of).

Its hard to disagree with your shot on Ford, but when his opponents can find no one but Olivier Chow to run the next campaign, who's more wrong?

[Juan]

The CFL can be pretty entertaining but I believe that noone really cares until playoff time because isn't it the case that every team make the playoffs?

I'm with Cluck Kent when it comes to the Mayor. I don't have a political affiliation and I don't care about the guy so much. He undeniably has flaws. I actually even voted for the guy despite my belief that he was the worst candidate running. Why did I do it? Because I believed that the arrogant nannies whom the Toronto Star editorial staff worships needed a reality check. Because I was sick and tired of the preachy condescencion and moralizing that seems to be pervasive at City Hall and because I believe the only message they will ever understand is being rebuked by the public. Because it annoys me to no end that I am gouged 5 cents every time I decide I would rather carry than juggle my groceries. And yes the Star's coverage is breathless, shameless and embarrassing but for some reason I don't blame the basketball department. Rant over.

[Alan C.]

Doug, how can you slag His Worship like that? Hasn't he already proven that he can get all his work done while driving down the Don Valley? And who would want to sit there and make nice to people that you cannot stand?

[Bo4]

I, perhaps for one, have never stopped watching the Argos, no matter how !@#$%^&*()_+{}:"|<>?| -=[];'\,./\ gets. (Just didn't know what to call it.) Truth be told, though, this really is the test coming up tomorrow. To be the best, you have to beat the best. Here's hoping ...

[doug]

my opinion of Rob Ford is the same as yours, he is a complete and utter disgrace as a mayor...but to me a buddy and I who have divergent political views and supports Rob Ford (as I grew up in a age where tolerance, acceptance etc of a different point of view or stance was not only accepted but encouraged) said Ford can't be doing that, as it is just wrong as this isn't Lucan Ontario where you can be a part time mayor this is Canada's biggest city....really how can anyone justify his actions??, it's befuddling also i take their actions personal as my first name is Doug, my middle name Ford, I am ashamed to be on the same name ground with this duo:)..to me the Argos have no one to blame but themselves as it's been inconsistent ownership/management for years, also their hasn't been a athlete with this team anyone can relate to...Ricky Ray finally is a name player but the team doesn't seem intent on selling him, as he is a known name, the Argos need to have some consistent marquee names and push them, it's too big a competitive sports market not to...."slothful" has to be word of the day well done....you should continue your travelogue type of blog as pics of Chicago especially to the uninitiated would be a treasure to see....ok cheers...

[Peter]

With all due respect to the Argo's. Seeing them succeed is sort of like seeing the Marlies succeed. If the Jay's win a championship, they're the best baseball team in the world. NHL, same thing. NBA... at least close to it. :) But seriously, the CFL is a minor league when compared to the NFL. Outside of Canada, no football player grows up hoping to be a CFL player. It's the same thing with any North American basketball kid. They don't grow up, dreaming of playing in Europe. They go to Europe when they can't make the NBA.

The CFL is a great league for CFL fans, but winning in the Canadian only league doesn't have the same value as winning in MLB, the NHL, or the NBA.

[J]

[B]illy is exhibit #1 in the "Toronto sports fans aren’t happy unless they’re unhappy" department. Despite clearly hating Doug so much that he can't even bother to read before ranting, time and time again he pops back up in the comment section of this blog.

And oh, when you say, "you don't like a league becasue it ain't got the US seal of approval, don't try and speak for other people pal," I hope you realize your hypocrisy. To disprove Cluck Kent's statement that the CFL is viewed as a tier two league, you have to do the exact same thing: speak for other people.