Cooper Stone Throws Out First Pitch For Rangers Playoff Game

Incredible scene from Arlington tonight as Cooper Stone throws out the first pitch for the Rangers-Rays playoff game. If you're unaware of the story behind Cooper Stone and his father, check it out.

Cooper attended a Rangers game this summer with his firefighter Dad. After the top half of an inning Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton tossed a ball into the stands toward Shannon Stone. As Stone reached for the ball he lost his balance over the railing and fell to his death. All while Cooper Stone was alongside.

Anthony Davis Says Shut Up From A Different Angle

September 30th: On this date....

..... in 2000, Kentucky head coach Orlando “Tubby” Smith earned a gold medal as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic basketball team in Sydney, Australia. He was the latest in a long line of Wildcats to earn an Olympic gold. In the gold medal game, Alonzo Mourning and Kevin Garnett keyed the Americans down the stretch to pull away from the French 85-75. For the third straight Olympiad, the American’s team was chock full of NBA players. While the U.S. used a mixture of professional and collegiate athletes for the international tournaments and trials leading up to the games in 1998-99, the roster was mostly chosen off performance from the 1999-2000 NBA season. Tubby Smith joined Adolph Rupp as the only Kentucky head coach to win a gold medal.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Anthony Davis Tells Classmate To Shut Up

September 29th: On this date....

..... in 2000, it was determined by internet voting the University’s new three year-old male bobcat would be named “Blue”. Fans of all ages went to UKathletics.com and voted over 48,000 times. The voters had three names in which to choose: Blue, Tucky, and Champ. “Blue” edged out “Tucky” by just under 1,300 votes. “Blue” lives his life just west of Frankfort at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salato Wildlife Center. He is also available for public viewing. According to UKathletics.com, “Blue” was not the first official live mascot as the first one was given to the University in 1921. His name was “Tom”. Other names for the live mascot have been: “TNT”, “Whiskers”, “Hot Tamale”, “Colonel”. “Blue” was born and will continue to be raised in captivity. For more information on the Kentucky Wildcat mascot, contact Wildcat or Scratch.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 28th: On this date....

.. in 2002, the Wildcats fell just short in The Swamp in a 41-34 loss to the Gators. Kentucky used a 28-point third quarter to take a 28-25 lead late, but it wasn’t meant to be as Florida dodged another bullet in the Kentucky series. Derek Abney led the Cats with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and later added a 49-yard punt return for a touchdown to key the special teams. Even though Kentucky was in the game late, their offense struggled, mustering only 268 total yards. The Gators amassed 509 total yards behind Rex Grossman’s 375 yards passing. Taylor Jacobs added 12 catches for 183 yards and Ernest Graham ran 102 for the balanced Florida attack.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Top Gun 25th Anniversary DVD Screen Tests

September 27th: On this date....

..... in 2008, we learned Big Blue Madness sold out in just 40 minutes. While this is no great revelation, it is still very impressive that year after year Big Blue Nation continues its cult-like following of the basketball team’s first official practice. Fans camped outside of Memorial for days in advance to cement their place in Rupp Arena. It gives many fans the chance who might not get a chance to see their squad during the season. With the hiring of John Calipari, the tickets will be all that more difficult to get. Good luck to everyone trying to find a ticket this year. You’ll definitely be ponying up some cash for the chance to see one of college basketball’s top teams. This will be the 7th time Big Blue Madness will be held at Rupp Arena.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 26th: On this date....

...... in 1988, with the basketball program in the middle of an NCAA “death penalty” investigation, word came out some uniforms were stolen from a hand full of Kentucky basketball players. Deron Feldhaus, LeRon Ellis, Eric Manual, Sean Sutton, and Mike Scott had their home uniforms taken from the equipment room at Memorial Coliseum. To this day, no one is for sure who did the dirty deed. Wonder if anyone ever questioned Shawn Kemp or Doug Gottlieb?

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 25th: On this date....

..... in 2008, we learned J.B. Holmes would be a guest of the University during the Kentucky-Western Kentucky football game recognizing him for his impressive performance in the Ryder Cup. Big Blue Nation gave J.B. a rousing ovation as he was recognized on the field. The Campbellsville, KY native not only help put the state on the map of the golfing world, but the University as well. Holmes tallied a 2-0-1 record in his first Ryder Cup and had the marquee moment of NBC’s coverage with his shot within 2 feet on Valhalla’s 17th hole, all but clinching the Ryder Cup for the Americans. Chalk another up for World Domination.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 24th: On this date....

...... in 2000, former Kentucky player and coach Jerry Claiborne died as a result of a heart attack at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Claiborne was a blocking back and a defensive back for the Wildcats from 1946-1949 and played under Paul “Bear” Bryant. Once Claiborne graduated, he worked as an assistant to Bryant at Kentucky and Texas A&M. In December of 1981 he was named the 31st football coach at the University of Kentucky, replacing Fran Curci. He led the Wildcats to a Hall of Fame victory over Wisconsin in 1984, the last win in a bowl game before the recent stretch. Coach also led Kentucky to academic achievement as he received recognition for having a 90% graduation rate in 1989. After the 1989 season, Claiborne stepped down as head coach. A native of Hopkinsville, Jerry Claiborne was 72 when he passed.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

300th Unnecessary Censorship

Terrifying Dashcam Footage of Japan Tsunami

September 23rd: On this date...

...... in 2004, Keenan Burton had wrist surgery, effectively ending his ‘04 campaign. The most valuable wrist on the team was injured on August 31st. He tried playing through the pain, but the team decided his effectiveness wasn't going to help the team or his future. With the injury happening so early in the season, he would be able to apply for a medical redshirt. He did and it was granted, giving the sophomore three more seasons to play for the Big Blue. Burton went on to become part of one of the most storied football teams in program history, not to mention one of the best receivers.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 22nd: On this date....

..... in 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle came to Lexington on a Presidential campaign visit. He visited Meadowthorpe Café and spoke with some of the locals about life and voting. During the visit, Quayle put in his $0.02 about Kentucky head coach Rick Pitino’s defensive strategy at the end of the heartbreaking game against Duke in the East Regional Final. Quayle said, “Obviously, they should have guarded the player throwing the ball in. Nobody was, so he had a clean pass.”

One suggestion for any future politician out there reading this: don’t ever come into our state and tell us what we SHOULD have done. We’ve already over-analyzed everything to the umpteenth time and whether you’re right or wrong, it’s already crossed our mind. Bringing up bad moments in our history won’t get our vote, it’ll make us want to bury you in a field. Needless to say Bill Clinton carried the state of Kentucky in 1992.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 21st: On this date....

..... in 2008, day 3 of the Ryder Cup concluded, but not before J.B. Holmes had a big say-so in its outcome. The Campbellsville native evened his match with a 10-foot birdie on the par-3 3rd hole. On the par-4 5th Holmes nearly holed out from the fairway, giving himself a short birdie putt to go 1 Up. After going back and forth with the Euro on most of the back nine, the Wildcat blasted a drive on the par-4 17th hole at Valhalla Golf Club to put himself and the American team in position to win the Ryder Cup. J.B. left himself with only 79 yards on the 477 yard hole. He threw a dart within 2 feet, made the putt for birdie, and beat Soren Hansen 2&1. Its was the marquee shot of NBC’s Ryder Cup coverage and cemented captain Paul Azinger’s choice for a Kentucky alternate as the correct one. It was a great week for Kentucky and a great event to attend. It didn’t hurt to have a “rabid” fan base there to help the Kentucky guys be a part of the first winning Ryder Cup team since 1999.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Conan Loves Scherzinger's Boobs (2:00 mark)

September 20th: On this date....

...... in 2008, Kentucky alum J.B. Holmes struck again on Day 2 of the Ryder Cup. He and teammate Boo Weekley teamed to earn a point in the afternoon session of Saturday’s Four Ball. Holmes 15 foot birdie putt on the par-5 7th gave the Americans a 2 Up lead. The 2005 SEC Player of the Year was conceded eagle a few holes later on the par-5 10th to give the pairing a commanding 3 Up lead. Holmes and Weekley would win the match, giving the 26-year old his first Ryder Cup victory.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 19th: On this date....

...... in 2008, former University of Kentucky golfer and Campbellsville, KY native J.B. Holmes made his Ryder Cup debut at Louisville’s Valhalla Golf Club. Holmes birdied his first hole of the day, giving the Americans a quick 1 Up lead. He and Kentucky’s newly adopted son Boo Weekley halved their match against the Europeans earning half a point for the Americans. As any golfing fan knows, it would not be the last time Big Blue Nation heard from Mr. Holmes Ryder Cup week.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 18th: On this date....

..... in 1999, newly named Kentucky quarterback Dusty Bonner was very impressive in a shootout win over the Indiana Hoosiers, 44-35. The Wildcats used a huge second quarter to take a 28-14 lead into halftime. They never trailed again as Bonner completed 24-31 for 304 yards and 5 touchdowns. Running back Anthony White ran for 130 yards and Lexington’s own Dougie Allen caught 2 touchdowns in the high-scoring affair. Super tight end James Whalen added 10 receptions for 121 yards to lead the Blue. Indiana quarterback Antwan Randle-El threw for 201 yards and ran for another 115 yards to keep the Hoosier from letting it get too outta hand.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Mayweather - Ortiz Crazy Finish

September 17th: On this date....

..... in 2002, the NCAA Infractions Committee upholds the penalty of a postseason ban on the Univeristy of Kentucky football program. The penalty was announced on January 31, 2002, as a part of a litany of other infractions. Under the umbrella of wrong-doings by the program included:

recruiting inducements, impermissible tryouts, unethical conduct, falsification of recruiting records, salary control, fiscal integrity and institutional control of recruiting funds. Specifically, the violations included a broad pattern of providing free lodging to recruits, their parents and coaches.

And mentioning lack of institutional control one more time for good measure. Wow. They got all that from a couple of “Atta-boys”?? Needless to say there wasn’t much the University could do as this was a publicity nightmare and we were caught red-handed. In the meantime, PaPaw Brooks was masterminding a plan to give Big Blue Nation a reason to Believe.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 16th: On this date....

...... in 1992, after the quick turnaround engineered by new(ish) head coach Rick Pitino, UK President Charles Wethington made sure to lock up Athletic Director C.M. Newton. Acting before his current contract expired, Wethington offered Newton a new four-year deal to stay with the University. Newton knew the program well; he played under Adolph Rupp from 1949-51. The energy for the basketball program was arguably the highest it had ever been, six months removed from the epic showdown with Duke in Philadelphia. Years later, Newton was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was the head coach at Transylvania, Vanderbilt, and Alabama. Some of his other accomplishments include:

1. Helped adopt the 3-point line and shot clock while on the NCAA Rules Committee.

2. Anything and everything during his University of Kentucky tenure.

3. President of USA Basketball when 1992's “The Dream Team” was developed.

4. In 2000, the University named the field at Commonwealth Stadium C.M. Newton Field.

I’d probably put that resume up against anyone else in basketball history/innovation.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 15th: On this date....

...... in 2007, we found out that “13 is a lucky number” as Kentucky wide receiver Stevie Johnson got loose down the sideline for the game-winning touchdown against rival and #9 ranked Louisville. Quarterback Andre Woodson found a streaking Johnson for 57 yards with only 28 seconds left to put the Cats up 40-34. Woodson completed 30-44 passes for 275 yards and 4 touchdowns to out-duel Brian Brohm in what many thought was a Heisman showdown/preview. Enough with recap, here’s Tom call.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Sports Science on Randall Cobb

September 14th: On this date....

...... in 2002, Jared Lorenzen threw three touchdowns and Artose Pinner ran for 141 yards in the Wildcats 27-17 win over Indiana. Pinner also added 92 receiving yards on 10 catches, showing that he was an infinite value for the ‘02 squad. Lorenzen finished with 183 yards passing and touchdown passes of 12, 7, and 6 yards. Most of the game was an offensive struggle due to a 35-minute lightning delay halfway through the second quarter. Another delay of 23 minutes gave the game nearly an hour of lightning delays. Go Cats.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 13th: On this date....

...... in 2001, fresh off the SEC announcing they would play all athletic events, including football games Saturday, September 15th, Indiana announces the postponement off all athletic activities through the weekend of the 15th. It wouldn’t matter for the 2001 Cats as they would go on and lose anyway (26-15) to finish off an embarrassing 2-9 season. The game was made up on December 1, two weeks after Kentucky’s last usual game of the season, the border war with the Vols. Of course that is the year we almost beat Tennessee, losing 38-35 in Lexington.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Jon Stewart Remembers 9/13/2001

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

September 12th: On this date.....

...... in 2001, the SEC announced even though there was a national tragedy one day earlier, they would go ahead and play all athletic events as scheduled, including football games on Saturday, September 15th. Here is the release from the SEC:

The members of the Southeastern Conference mourn the tragic loss of lives, bodily injury and condemn the acts of destruction which occurred yesterday in this nation. Each of our institutions has been personally touched by these events.

After reviewing all of the issues involved, the Southeastern Conference announces that all Conference athletic events will be played as scheduled, including the football games on Saturday, September 15.

The Conference believes these events present a meaningful opportunity to bring our people together in a common expression of sympathy and mourning. An appropriate ceremony to express these sentiments will be held prior to each game.

The Conference also announces that the member institutions will donate $1,000,000 from the gate receipts and television fees to funds which will assist the victims of this tragic event. In addition, fans at each event will be encouraged to make donations to these funds.

In taking this action, we join the President of the United States and other leaders of our nation by "not allowing this event to change our way of life or restrict our freedoms."
If required by changing events or circumstances, adjustments could be made to this schedule.”

These colors don’t run, especially if you involve SEC Football.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Jim Cornelison's Bad Ass 10th Anniversary National Anthem

September 11th: On this date....

...... in 2001, life as we knew it changed. Remember those who sacrificed that day, this day, and future days. Remember those who are close to you and the ones you love. BIG BLUE BOOYAH does not negotiate with terrorists. We will never forget.

Joker 2.02 - 4th Down Stop, Clemons Rally Cats Past Chippewas, 27-13

September 10th: On this date....

...... in 2005, Rafael Little ran for a career high 102 yards, including a key fourth quarter 99 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to help the Cats squeak by tiny Division I-AA Idaho State 41-29. Kentucky needed four second half touchdowns and two fourth quarter interceptions to guarantee victory. (I’m guessing this was around the time everyone was wanting PaPaw to hand in his walking papers). Little’s kickoff return TD was the first since Derek Abney in 2002 and the fourth longest return in program history. The Idaho State Bengals led 16-14 at halfime and 29-28 with only 5:06 left in the game. But for 2005 Kentucky? A win is a win is a win is a win. And that’s all that mattered.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Presser Of The Year:

Kentucky For Kentucky Super Bowl Commercial

September 9th: On this date....

...... in 2002, Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen was named SEC Player of the Week after his performance in the 77-17 drubbing of UTEP. The Pillsbury Throwboy threw for an astonishingly low 211 yards on 10-17 passes. Five touchdowns were also on the stat sheet for the hefty one. He led the Wildcats on touchdown drives on six of their first eight possessions, efficiently directing them to a near record-setting point total. It actually ended up being the second highest total in program history. The victory led Big Blue Nation to gobble up 2,500 tickets the following Monday, 1,500 more to their upcoming Commonwealth Stadium tilt vs. Indiana.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Randall Cobb's Second NFL Touchdown

Randall Cobb's First NFL Touchdown

September 8th: On this date....

...... in 1987, a rivalry was put on hold when the University of Louisville cheerleaders performed a very selfless act in raising $15,000 for a fallen member. Kentucky cheerleader Dale Baldwin was paralyzed from the neck down after breaking his neck on a trampoline stunt. The money was raised for a specially equipped van for Baldwin’s transportation. They convinced a Louisville store, Kustom Koncepts, to help with $18,000 more worth of equipment for the van. After the incident, UK Athletic Director Cliff Hagan outlawed any stunt using trampolines. Baldwin went on to graduate from Kentucky in 1990. In 2005, a brand new dorm was named in his honor.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

Kentuckian Set To Receive Next Medal Of Honor

Story

September 7th: On this date.....

...... in 2007, Mason County star Darius Miller gives a verbal commitment to the University of Kentucky. This was a huge get for new coach Billy Gillispie, as Big Blue Nation remembers the most recent Mason County star who chose not to go to Kentucky, Tennessee’s Chris Lofton. The fact Gillispie was able to keep Miller in Lexington let everyone know some in-state talent would choose Blue if given the opportunity. Miller had an up-and-down freshman campaign under Gillispie. A campaign that many Wildcat faithful thought he was being held back. Not anymore. Fresh off a gold medal in 2009, Miller was a key cog in the 2010-11 Wildcat NCAA Tournament run(s).

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 6th: On this date....

...... in 2003, Hefty-Lefty Jared Lorenzen became the University’s all-time passing yards leader in a 37-6 beating of Murray State. J-Load completed 14-21 passes for 197 yards and 4 touchdowns. The 197 yards gave him 8,566 career passing yards, breaking Tim Couch’s mark of 8,435. Couch completed his in three years compared to Lorenzen’s four, but records are records nonetheless. Lorenzen was one of the most likable and gigantic football players in my lifetime.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

also

...... in 1990, the man, the myth, the legend, John Wall was born.

September 5th: On this date....

..... in 2001, the Voice of the Wildcats, Cawood Ledford, passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Ledford was the University of Kentucky’s play-by-play man from 1953-1992. Before, and even after TV, Ledford was the eyes and ears of Big Blue Nation painting some of the most glorious pictures for our beloved team. A native of Harlan, Ledford attended Centre College in Danville. He was inducted to the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994. He won three Eclipse Awards for his coverage of thoroughbred racing and voted Kentucky Sportscaster of the Year a record 22 times. In 2001, the University of Kentucky named its basketball court at Rupp Arena “Cawood’s Court” in Ledford’s honor. Arguably the most recognizable face for the most storied college basketball programs in history.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 4th: On this date....

...... in 2008, an historical marker was dedicated commemorating Stoll Field, where the first football game was played in the southern United States nearly 130 years ago. Stoll Field/McLean Stadium played host to Kentucky Wildcat football until the 1972, when the team moved into Commonwealth Stadium. The stadium was the home of the Wildcats during the Bear Bryant era, which included their first bowl game and first SEC Championship. Bryant later refused to schedule Kentucky at the run down stadium and is one of the reasons Alabama and Kentucky did not play for 25 years. The last game was a 14-13 win over Vanderbilt on November 11, 1972. The UK marching band still practices there today, with the Singletary Center for the Arts in the opposite end zone.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 3rd: On this date....

..... in 2008, the University of Kentucky announced it would be holding Big Blue Madness a week earlier (October 10th) than everyone else, giving the Kentucky brand the college basketball stage to itself. This decision allowed more recruits to come to Lexington and still keep their other visits in line. Those recruits would have to cherry pick which school’s they would visit the following week. The UK Athletic Department found a loophole that allowed two hours of practice per week after September 15th. The NCAA rule book prohibited practice before October 17th. So, in essence, the NCAA won’t allow you to practice before October 17th, but they will allow you to two-hours of practice per week after September 15th. I don’t understand it either.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

One Play To Sum Up Last Night?

Joker 2.01 - Cats Bore WKU To Death, 14-3

September 2nd: On this date....

...... in 2008, following a dominant performance against rival Louisville, Kentucky defensive tackle Myron Pryor was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Pryor, a Louisville native, played a role in two defensive touchdowns. He forced a fumble in the second quarter that Ashton Cobb picked up and ran 28 yards for a touchdown. The second came when the big man scooped up a fumble forced by linebacker Johnny Williams. Myron “310 lbs. Of Glory” Pryor raced 72 yards the other way for the games final touchdown. Final score: UK 27 - UL 2. It was the first time in 16 years a Wildcat had been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Dean Wells was the last. Jeremy Jarmon had been named SEC Lineman of the Week, but not overall Defensive Player of the Week.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach

September 1st: On this date....

...... in 2002, your University of Kentucky Wildcats put the clamps down on the prolific Louisville offense allowing only 248 total yards in the 22-17 upset of the #17 ranked Cardinals. This snapped a three-game losing streak to the Cards and was a giant step forward for the Wildcat defense, as they were ranked 109th nationally the previous year. Jeremy Caudill’s violent sack on Dave Ragone late in the fourth quarter helped key the win for the Cats. Ragone lay motionless on the ground as Caudill stood overtop punching the air like a boxer. On the next play, Mike Williams intercepted Ragone to seal the deal. Artose Pinner had 123 total yards to help key the offense.

Big Blue Booyah on Tom Leach