Monday, March 12, 2012

March Madness

The Basketball Hall of Fame is in Springfield, Massachusetts, just a long pass across the state line from Connecticut.  Springfield was chosen for the Hall of Fame because James Naismith, a professor at Springfield College, purportedly invented the sport in 1891.  He was searching for a sport that could be played indoors in the winter.

Dr. Naismith is here today because the tournaments that conclude the men's and women's college basketball seasons are getting ready to begin.  The University of Connecticut men's team won the national championship last year.  They had a tough season this year but have been playing better recently.  The UConn women's team is predicted to go pretty far this year, but Baylor, Stanford and Notre Dame are also very good.  It will be fun to watch.

20 comments:

  1. This a good photo. The story is interesting.

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  2. I didn't know any of that. It was a great and sucessfull idea, it is right to honor this guy.

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  3. It will be a good month for basketball.

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  4. I know nothing about "March Madness" but our newspapers are full of it. Guess I'd better educate myself...who would have guessed that there is another "Hall of Fame?" Guess it's a safer sport than football?

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  5. Don't forget his Kansas connection! He started the basketball program at KU... that's right ROCK CHALK baby! I hope we'll be in the final four this year. :)
    I think this is a museum I need to visit.

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  6. What an interesting post for the day -- as always, Jack! What a great museum! Terrific captures! Enjoy your day!

    Sylvia

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  7. Is it Mr. Naismith that doesn't like to be touched Jack? He doesn't look the sporty type, amazing to think he just thought about it and then there was basketball! Such an exciting game to watch, our Wildcats are doing so well, I don't want to say more incase I jinx them!!

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  8. Perfect timing for the post, Jack. Love Dr. Naismith holding that basket. After Michigan State University's win over Ohio State yesterday, and earning the #1 seed in the West bracket, it should be a very interesting tournament. Unfortunately, one of the Spartans' top players tore his ACL the last game of the season. We'll see how the tourney goes for Coach Izzo & the team. Go Green! My March Madness is already in full swing: vistors, more visitors, basketball, spring training games and tennis. March in Florida is no time for the weary!

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  9. A "basketball Hall of fame" can be seen only is USA! that's a very american passion.

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  10. I've never been able to get into basketball!

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  11. So, basketball dates back to 1891. Great information about J. Naismith.

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  12. That's a wonderful basket too. I'd never thought of a portable basket.

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  13. I'm not much of a basketball fan, but it doth attract of multitude of folks who like to see people jump around and through a ball at a basket.

    I couldn't help thinking, though, that there's another sport that can be played indoors in the winter I'd prefer...

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  14. Great shot. Not sure why. I love to watch NBA games but I can't get into the college games.

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  15. Did you know that James Naismith was a Canadian clergyman? :)

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  16. Super post, Jack, in honor of one of my favorite sports and its biggest event in the college ranks. I myself will be attending four Second Round games on Thursday at the Rose Garden Arena here in Portland, and on Saturday, I will see two Third Round games. I am some kind of excited and look forward to enjoy sitting in an entirely different spot than where my season ticket is for the Trail Blazers.

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