Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots April 13th Edition

By Hartley Miller

My 100^th column falls on Friday, April 13^th. 

In German, English and Portuguese cultures Friday the 13^th of any month is considered a “bad luck” day. This experience is called paraskavedekatriaphobia (I won't try saying on the radio).

Friday the 13^th  certainly impacts sports teams and athletes.  Many players avoid signing contracts on this day. Also, it is not an accident that many teams like the Vancouver Canucks, the Prince George Cougars and the PG Spruce Kings currently don’t have anyone on their rosters that wear jersey number 13.

However,  many players that have chosen the No. 13 jersey are often elite athletes. Let’s have a look at some of the competitors that have excelled wearing this number.

In basketball, a well known BC boy wears the infamous number. Yes, Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, the reigning two time NBA Most Valuable Player hasn't had any fear about wearing No. 13. As well, Wilt “the Stilt” Chamberlain terrorized opponents while dressed in No.13. Not only did Wilt score 100 points in a game, he was also a four time MVP.

In football, quarterbacks Dan Marino and Kurt Warner, both NFL MVP’s, proudly displayed No. 13.  Warner won a Super Bowl ring while Marino may be the greatest player never to win a Super Bowl. Believe it or not, although Marino didn’t win the “big one” his accomplishments are quite an honor.

In baseball, guess who wears No. 13 for the most storied franchise in the history of the game, the New York Yankees? Yes, Alex Rodriguez is a former MVP who makes more money per month that many average “Joes” make in a lifetime.

In Hockey, Mats Sundin has been the Toronto Maple Leafs MVP almost from the day he joined the team. The Leafs captain has always had No. 13 stuck on his uniform.

How about Tiger Woods in golf? I’m sorry, golfers don’t wear numbers, but if they did, don’t you think Tiger would look good with a No. 13 surrounding his Nikes?                       

So, is No. 13 bad or good luck ? I am not really sure, but if you really want “good luck” I suggest the following:

n  When playing baseball, stick a wad of gum on your hat.

n  When ready for that big basketball game, just before tip off, wipe the soles of your sneakers.

n  In typical hockey tradition, players should put their pads and skates on in exactly the same order every day.

n  Tennis players should always avoid wearing yellow.

n  Fishermen know to throw back the first catch. (In my case, I never get to that first catch, but that’s another story for another day)

n  Rodeo performers are to always shave before a competition (Only the men).

Somehow, I have managed to complete my 100^th column, without incident, on this Friday, April 13^th, 2007.  But, just to be safe, I will need to change my name for the rest of the day because there is an old wise tale that says if you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil’s luck. (And I’m not talking New Jersey).

So, today, don’t call me Hartley Miller (since it adds up to 13 letters),  just call me Hartley “Horseshoes” a name that is guaranteed to bring you and me “Good Luck”.

From the quote rack:

“China figured Tom Brady would be too dangerous for their population-control program."     Seattle Times reader Janice Hough, suggesting a reason why the NFL called off an exhibition game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots in Beijing.

“In honour of incoming commissioner Mark Cohon -- the son of McDonald's of Canada founder George Cohon -- CFL games hereafter will comprise four quarter-pounders and will be played only on Fry-days." Ian Hamilton of the Regina Leader-Post

“I'm surprised the Dodgers aren't offering a helmet giveaway -- especially for those sitting down the first-base line."                        
T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times, on the LA Dodgers having ex second baseman Steve Sax throw out the first pitch at the team's home opener.

“The New York Islander Ice Girls claim they were subjected to slashing, spitting, and verbal abuse by New York Ranger players during a TV timeout in a game recently. So, when did the Rangers decide to try and clean up their act?"  Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

                    
And in case you missed it:

There are four couples on the Carolina Hurricanes who are expecting a baby,  some nine months after the Canes won the Stanley Cup.

And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for  the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.

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