espn.com Ali Contest
Ted Williams never came by The Cooler. But Page 2's Brian Murphy imagines what a conversation would have been like with one of the last vestiges of the 20th century -- the real 20th century, that is, before VCRs, Watergate, spin doctors, AstroTurf and blind PC worship rendered us weak and stupid and less than genuine.
MURPHY: WEEKEND WATER COOLER

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For those of you who don't own TVs, Page 2's Bob Halloran has a day job ... as an anchor for ESPNEWS. For complex reasons, which he tries to explain here, many of the things he can write for us, he can't say on TV. Still, it doesn't make much sense, because TV is the far-more-disposable medium (no archives). But, hey, their loss is your gain.

Mystery Photo Tributes to 'The Kid'
What's up at the Old England Club? Well, to find out you'll just have to check out this week's Page 2 mystery photo because we're not sure ourselves. Take a look at a lowlight of Wimbledon's last day, then send us a caption suggestion.
 In honor of the late Ted Williams, who made an art out of hitting, Page 2's artists pay tribute to the baseball legend. Kurt Snibbe takes a heavenly look at Williams in the latest Sportoon, and Larry Johnson marvels at the Splendid Splinter's slugging genius.

ALL RILED UP
It looked like a fair fight -- sluggin' Sammy Sosa vs. America's No. 1 sportswriter, Rick Reilly, in a battle over Sosa's image as Mr. Clean. In reality, there was no way Sosa could win -- no matter how he answered Reilly's challenge. And Ralph Wiley says there was no way the sportswriter could lose.


Page 2 turns its attention to the worst innovations in sports. Take a look at our list, then send us your choice for the worst sports innovation. Later this week, we'll run our readers' top 10 list along with a poll to crown the worst sports innovation of them all.

10]  Olympic hockey shootout
Like having a free throw or slam dunk contest to decide a winning team in basketball.
9]  Off-Track Betting
OTB has ruined racing in New York and in lots of other places all over the country.
8]  Naming rights
Fans don't benefit, and what ballclub benefits by association with the losers of the business world?
  • GET THE FULL LIST


UPDATED ODDS TO WIN 2002 WORLD SERIES
Yankees 2-1   Braves 10-1
Red Sox 5-1   Giants 12-1
Mariners 6-1   Angels 13-1
Diamondbacks 6-1   Mets 13-1
Cardinals 8-1   Athletics 15-1
Bold indicates home team | Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


TOP DOG
Move over, Tiger, and make room for Takeru Kobayashi. That's because you don't want any hot dog bits on you, writes Darren Rovell.

BEAR NECESSITIES
John McEnroe isn't the only athlete whom Tatum O'Neal is tattling on. Jim Caple reveals the rampant steroid abuse on O'Neal's "Bad News Bears."

THE SPORTS GUY
If you think Page 2's Bill Simmons is a bit twisted, you should see what some of his readers have to say.

THE HOT LIST
Dan Shanoff runs a red, white and blue Independence Day edition of the Hot 'n' Not List up the flagpole to see who salutes it.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


The Yankees are pretty scary after their latest trade, and three readers saw a resemblance between pitcher Jeff Weaver, left, and Matthew Lillard as Shaggy from the "Scooby-Doo" movie. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


All-Star Home Run Derby
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
No, there's no steroids team vs. NL and AL.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., July 5: All Riled Up
• Wed., July 3: World's Greatest
• Tues., July 2: Kareem at Crossroads
• Mon., July 1: Flying Home

Other featured content:
• Kareem at the crossroads
• Kareem photo gallery
• Sportoon: All-Star qualifications
• All-Hair Team for '02 World Cup
• 10 reasons Anna blew her top
• 10 Burning Questions with Jay Williams
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
Monday, July 8, 2002
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