Saturday, May 23, 2009

After an update on the latest news from the NBA Playoffs, Bill and Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post discuss the Denver Nuggets' surprising run to the Western Conference finals.

The astonishing run of the Carolina Hurricanes in this year’s NHL playoffs mirrors the astonishment of many hardcore hockey fans, who thought sustained success for the sport in the South was impossible.  Reporter Dave DeWitt of North Carolina Public Radio was in Raleigh to examine the reasons for the flourishing franchise’s achievements.

Stunning grace and remarkable flexibility were on display in the Newton South High School gymnasium earlier this month.  Bill was there, along with representatives from 20 countries who participated in the Boston Cup, a rhythmic gymnastics event that proved friendly competition and hospitality can stretch across continents.

Caroline Seebohm’s book “Little Pancho” details the life of underappreciated tennis star Pancho Segura. Although Segura is far from a household name, Bill believes the tale of this player, teacher, and ambassador is worth hearing.

“Only A Game” analyst Charlie Pierce joins Bill to discuss a host of topics, including the NBA and NHL playoffs, a Steeler who refused the White House, and the hapless Washington Nationals, who seem to have bitten off more than they can chew when it comes to fan appreciation.

Reporter Nancy Greenleese details the story of an annual soccer tournament that pits priests against seminarians.  The finalists get to compete in perhaps the holiest and most historic location for a soccer pitch: the Vatican.