Canespace

The Orange Bowl

This article was written by Canespace blogger by "Mike":

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I was a Cane’s fan before I even knew what they were. As a kid I listened to my grandmother scream at the TV when the Cane’s played. I listened to the stories my uncle passed on about this place called the Orange Bowl that he sold t-shirts at. I remember, although a little blurry, listening to a national championship game on the radio in the car with my grandmother. I heard the names of Gino Toretta and Lamar Thomas. I didn’t know back then the love I would have for my Canes and that beautiful place called the Orange Bowl.

Growing up in the parts of Miami I did as a kid and teenager, people didn’t have money to watch a game in the OB, only the TV. But once I was in my early twenties, had a little money and started my own family, I decided to watch a game live. It’s funny how when I was growing up something like going to the OB never crossed my mind. I assumed it to be too much money, or maybe to far away. But now I was grown, and it was time.

My neighbors at the time were this older couple in their 60’s who have been season ticket holders since the 70’s. They convinced me to go and sit in this placed known as General Admission, aka The West End Zone. She said to get there early to get a good seat. I didn’t realize I would be just feet away from the Cane’s I loved so much.

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At first the traffic and parking sucked. But once I got into the stadium, I was truly in awe. I didn’t move from my seat the entire game. I was on the first row behind the handicap section in the West End Zone watching the warm-ups, listening to the visiting team get talked to like they just robbed our house.

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Then came the helmet. I remember that moment, just waiting to explode when I saw that smoke. I was so close, how could I be this close! I don’t even remember who we played that day, I just remember the stadium, the west end zone crew, the atmosphere, the smell…the Orange Bowl.

I only wish I would of come sooner, before the recent decline, when Dorsey led us to win after win. But in my short time in the OB, I witnessed enough to know that it was a special place to me, a place I will miss dearly. I can only imagine how badly the people who have gone there for longer will miss it. I remember the FSU games, and the comeback game against Louisville when I watch Devin Hester return 3 punts, one of which was called back. That night was special. I know there were a lot of special games bigger than that, but for me I remember high-fiving and hugging complete strangers.

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After the game the round circle walk-way was crowed with fans leaving the stadium and every single one was singing “It’s great to be a mi-am-i hurr-i-cane”. Then we yelled: "We got some Canes over here, whoosh whoosh."  It was truly special. The Orange Bowl was special.

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I had the pleasure of watching such greats as Sean Taylor, Antrelle Rolle, Frank Gore, Roscoe Parrish, Eric Winston, Kellen Winslow, Devin Hester, Vince Wilfork and more. There is no doubt I will see more great players, but not how I saw them at the OB, close to the field in the West End Zone.

The parking in someone’s yard or walking through Little Havana until the stadium appeared; the old ladies selling arepas and something alleged to be “chicken” on a stick. Sometimes I still can’t believe all that is over. Anyone who has witnessed at least one game in the in the West End Zone will tell you that it will never be the same at Dolphin Stadium. I agree that the OB was an old run down stadium, a dump even, but it was MY beautiful dump.

I will continue to go to games and root on my beloved Canes, but I will never have “that” feeling like I did at "The Old Girl".  Most likely, none of us will.

Catch Me If U Can

This article was written by Canespace blogger "Loco" and previously published on June 22, 2008 at www.theheismanrace.com

This is the first installment in a 3 part series breaking down the new fall recruits that are just arriving on campus.  Here we’ll take a look at fast, skinny people: the wide receivers and defensive backs.

Wide Receivers:

Laron Byrd – A big receiver at 6’3, 205 lbs, Laron Byrd has the physical talent to be one of the greats.  Not only is he big, he is fast.  With a 4.4 40, Byrd is dangerous.  He is a team player, and has already said that he is open to the idea of redshirting if that’s what the coaches want.  The reason he might redshirt: his route running skills have been questioned, meaning he is far from polished as a receiver.  Regardless, he will be a big (pun intended) boost to the depleted receiving corp.

Travis Benjamin – Speed, quickness, and vision are his strengths.  Benjamin is a dangerous return man, and very difficult to bring down in the open field.  How dangerous is he?  When we played Glades Central his junior year, we game planned against him, not Deonte Thompson (who was one of the top overall recruits that year.  The knock on Travis is his size, as he weighs in at a generous 160 lbs despite being 5’11.  He will be a huge boost in the anemic return game if he does not redshirt.

Thearon Collier – One of the “big 3” to come from Booker T, Thearon is much like Travis Benjamin, but perhaps not quite as fast.  He has great quickness and open field ability.  His route running may be better than Benjamin’s.  Collier’s biggest roles will be in either the return game or as a slot receiver.  He is shorter than Benjamin (5’9) but weighs in at a little more than 160.  Also may redshirt.

Davon Johnson – The other receiver that is a part of Booker T’s big 3, Davon Johnson (not to be confused with Aldarius Johnson, early enrollee from Miami Northwestern) is a great compliment to Collier.  Johnson might be the fastest receiver that is joining Miami this year, but he does not have the same change of direction ability that Collier or Benjamin have.  Look for him to play as an outside receiver, if he does not redshirt.

Tommy Streeter – The biggest receiver of the bunch at 6’4, there was talk of Streeter possibly moving to tight end.  I don’t believe that will happen, as it is useful to have bigger receivers.  Streeter has good hands and is a big, strong runner.  He is unlikely to redshirt, and look for him to make a big impact as an outside receiver.  The knock on Streeter is his speed; he’s clearly a possession receiver, and not a burner.

Kendall Thompkins – The other receiver from Miami Northwestern, Thompkins has always been in the shadow of big-time receiving teammates Aldarius Johnson and Tommy Streeter.  Don’t sleep on him though, Thompkins has good hands and makes people miss.  He has good speed and quickness, and will compete for the return man position.

Defensive Back:

Brandon Harris – The cornerstone of the “skilled” players, Brandon Harris is a great cornerback.  Many people believe that he will be able to come in and start from day one.  He has great speed and quickness, and moves well with receivers.  He’s also not afraid to tackle.

C.J. Holton – Holton has good size and speed, and has great instincts from the safety position.  He packs a punch when he hits, and does a good job of anticipating both the run and the pass.  The question is whether or not he will be academically eligible.

C.J. Odom – Great tackler that loves to hit, Odom makes plays from the safety position.  He doesn’t have great speed and can sometimes be a liability in coverage.  May not qualify.

Vaughn Telemaque – Another great tackler from the safety position, Vaughn has earned the nickname “Miami Vice” for his swagger and attitude on and off the field.  Telemaque loves to hit and hit hard.  He needs to work on body control, but is still a very good safety and will see playing time on special teams.

Joe Wylie – Last but not least, Joe Wylie was recruited as a safety, but has the speed and agility to play corner.  Wylie is good in coverage, though he will still hit and tackle.  He attempted to enter UM early, only to wind up one credit short.  He may see special teams playing time.

Rudy, Raves and Reservations

Rudy...recently many here criticized Rudy from www.insidetheu.com for his blog about the Canes recruiting class for 2009 and the apparent lack of attention UM is paying to star RB Jamal Berry.  Rudy and I talked of the blog recently and he feels he has been mis-interpreted and mis-understood by the fans out there. And, I agree.  At times it seems that anyone that talks even somewhat negatively about anything Cane related gets blasted on the blog.  And Rudy is by no means alone in this experience.

Remember back to when the now infamous Carlos was the Anti-Christ?  Well, we met Carlos at several Canespace pre-game parties at The Titanic (Cat5 and OcalaCane seen here in our usual pre-game hangout) and he has become one of our best friends and supporters.  Ponce, Alpharetta and others who have dared to remove their ORANGE and GREEN glasses just for a moment and call it like the see it (even when not so good) have also been heavily criticized for their negative views. 

Here is how I see it:  I know Rudy (seen here on the field at the Under Armour HS All Star Game at Disney) personally and he is a good person, a huge Canes fan and an opinionated and honest person.  He doesn't make stuff up just to stir the pot or just to get hits on his site.  He speaks his mind and that means that he's going to say what he thinks and believes to be true.  You can disagree if you want, openly and publicly on the blog, but attack the opinions, not the man.  Attacking the person is not the Canespace way. 

Rudy has told me that he wants to set the record straight with Canes fans at The Space.  So, anyone who wants to speak to Rudy privately off the blog email me at host@canespace.com and I will forward you his email and/or phone number.

Raves...Former Hurricane WR and Legend of the Fall Lamar Thomas took several hours of his valuable time to sit down with Canespace recently and provide us with tons of great material for the three part series on the great Canes teams and players of 1990-92, his days in the NFLU at the Bucs and Dolphins and the current UM team, coaches and players to watch in 2008 and beyond. 

We want to thank LT for his time and comments and congratulate him once again for recently getting his degree from UM.  We wish him the best of luck with his continuing education (he is currently enrolled at UM and taking classes) and his plans to move into coaching at the high school and then collegiate levels. LT#36 was generous with his time, a great person to talk to and shared some great stories about old school Canes.  LT is a true U legend!

Reservations...for those of you attending UM football games this year Canespace has made a special group rate agreement withThe Hampton Inn in Plantation, Florida (Southern Broward County).  We are working on R/T transportation to Stadium from the hotel and will announce this soon on the blog. 

Starting on July 15th just mention "Canespace" when making your reservations to get the special discount rate.  The hotel is located on University Drive 10 miles north of the stadium which allows you to avoid the Turnpike tolls and traffic if you choose to drive there yourself. 

The contact information for making your reservations at the #1 ranked Hampton Inn in Florida is:

Susan Stern

Director of Sales

Hampton Inn Plantation 

7801 SW 6th Street

Plantation, Florida 33324

954-382-4500  ex. 160

954-382-4510  fax

www.hampton-inn.com/hi/plantation

Legends Of The Fall: Lamar Thomas Part III

This is the final article in our three part series featuring Hurricane legend Lamar Thomas. LT sat down with us to talk about his playing days at The U, his time in the NFL(U) and the current coaches, team and players.  Here is more from the LT U know and love...

Canespace (86): What has changed since your days at The U.  Are there additional challenges that the players and coaches face?

Lamar Thomas (36): Things have changed.  These kids are really student-athletes.  Today standards are much stricter and there is a lot more supervision and accountability (to attend class and get good grades).  If kids are not committed to being students first they will not be successful.  If they are not successful in the classroom they will never see the field.  They have to decide first to be a student, if not maybe they should never even go to college?  I think Randy (Shannon) is bringing in the right kids that can be successful on and off the field.  Just being a great athlete (only) ain't gonna get it done.

86: What are your feelings about the Canes leaving the Orange Bowl and moving to Dolphin Stadium?

36: Well, at first, I wasn't happy about it.  That's our home (The OB).  But after a while. I got used to it and I understand it better now.  Look, if a high school recruit from some small town walks out onto that field where the Dolphins play and they play National Championship games and Super Bowls, all they can so is: Whoa!  It is going to help recruiting, no doubt.

(86): Last year the Canes offense struggled to move the ball, failed to demonstrate any consistency and at times simply could not complete a pass or score.  What do you think were the issues?

(36): Well...there was a lack of talent on the field.  DJ (WR Darnell Jenkins) stepped up big time but that was about it.  Kyle, now there's a guy that has all the tools in the world but he could never seem to read defenses. Aubrey (new Canes WR Coach Hill) is going to be good for this offense. He's a disciplinarian which is going to help guys like Shields.  I talked to Sam recently and I think he's really starting to get the big picture.  He's got tons of talent.  He told me that he's not getting called out (for academic issues) like before. That's a good sign.  We need him on the field this year.

86: What other players should we watch for on offense?

36: (immediately says) James (RB Javaris).  He's really worked on his hands (in practice) which gives him another dimension.  They are serious about playing him in the slot this year.  I like it, it is going to be interesting to see how they use him in games. I like Kayne too, that's my boy! He only dropped ONE pass the entire Spring. He runs great routes and has grea hands.  Watch out for Kahlil too.  He's the hardest working WR on the team and does everything the coaches ask of him and more.  If he gets over the hump and get's some confidence he could tear it up.  But he's got to make the most of his opportunities (referring to past drops).

86: What about on defense?

36: Dix (DT Antonio Dixon).  I think he will dominate this year.  Sean Spence too.  He reminds me a lot of Darrin Smith.  Darrin was one of the smartest players I ever played with.  Spence is like that. He's a smart player and way ahead of schedule.  A lot of people compare him to Jessie Armstead because he's a little small and real fast.  If he keeps going at it like he is, he could turn out being better than both of those guys!

86: OK, now for the question everybody wants to know:  What about QB?

36: I have watched Marve and Jacory in practice a few times.  Both of those guys can play.  Marve is real accurate and has a strong arm.  He's probably the starter this year.  Jacory is just a natural.  He reminds me of Chris Leak the way he throws the ball so effortlessly.  He's got a real smooth motion and throws a nice ball.

I talked to Marve and told him he has to find his "go to" guy. The guy who when it's third down and the game is on the line, you can throw it to a spot and he's going to be there and come up with the ball.  Gino (Toretta) and I had that kind of relationship.  He knew he could count on me when it mattered most. 

Legends Of The Fall: Lamar Thomas Part II

kkThis is the second article in a three part series of our interview with Hurricane Legend of the Fall Lamar Thomas (LT). We recently sat down with LT at The Titanic in Coral Gables and spent some time talking about the glory of past UM teams (Part I), his time in the NFL and current activities (Part II), and the potential of the returning players and new recruits on the 2008 team (Part III). 

LT had a spectacular career at UM and left Miami as the Canes leading all-time receiver.  He was a star on the Canes 1991 National Championship team a team which outscored its opponents by a 386-100 margin (a differential of 286 points!) in Dennis Erickson's high powered offense.  LT was a key part of "The Ruthless Posse" which helped QB Gino Toretta win the Heisman Trophy in 1992.

After his college carrer, Lamar was selected in the third round (60th overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LT would go on to play eight years in the League, three with the Bucs and five with the Miami Dolphins.  During his NFL career he would play 73 games and catch 106 passes for over 1500 yards and 10 TDs.  In his final and most productive season with the Fins in 1998, he caught 43 passes for 603 yards and five TDs from Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino.

Here is LT as you know and love him...

Canespace (86): You were selected by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft.  Tell us about that experience?

Lamar Thomas (36): Sam Wyche was the Coach at Tampa when they drafted me. Sam called me to tell me the Bucs were going to take me with their pick and at the time I was like yeah, whatever.  I was kind of disappointed that I went in the third round but hey what can I say.  After the Bucs drafted me Sam called me back and he asked: "Are there any other players on the Miami team we should take a look at?"  I told him right away Horace Copeland; he had the prototype body for a WR.  He was shocked.  He said "You want us to take another WR.  You wouldn't be upset if we take another WR?"  I told him no, he's a Cane, he's my brother (in the Hurricane family) and he can play. 

He couldn't understand the bond between players at Miami.  Well they drafted Horace with another pick and we were teammates in Tampa.  I started like the first three games of the season and then Sam called us into his office one day after practice and told us that Horace was going to start the next game.  I immediately stood up and high-fived Horace and told him congratulations.  Sam was like "This is crazy".  He couldn't understand how I could be happy for the guy who took my job. He didn't understand that I love Horace like my brother and I was happy for him.  That's the Cane way.

86: You know I have to ask this, so here it is:  You were teammates with (former Alabama player) George Teague when you played with the Dolphins.  Teague was the player who was on the other end of the now infamous "Strip Play" in the 1993 Sugar Bowl. Did you guys ever talk or laugh about that play?

36:  First of all, as a Canes fan, you can understand that we don't like to talk about that game.  Let's just say that they were the better team on that night  They would have beat us with or with that play (The Strip).  But here's a story that nobody knows.  One day I was at the Dolphin practice facility and I see Teague drive up in his new Mercedes.  So in the locker room I (jokingly) asked him if I could borrow the keys and take it for a drive.  So he says sure and throws me the keys.  I said are you serious?  He says "Yeah, you made me famous, if not for you I may not have that car!"  We laughed about it then.

86: Let's talk a little about what you are currently doing.  You recently received your degree from UM?

36: Yeah, it felt really good to get my degree.  People used to ask me: "When did you graduate from UM?" and I would just say I left there in 1992. Now I can say I graduated. I'm proud of that.  I'm taking classes right now and have one class with several (current) players including Marve, Fortson, Spence, Jacory. Those kids are funny, and they are all really good kids. They really want to win trust me on that.

86: We recently saw you at you at several UM baseball games. Your brother is a pitcher for Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona and he recently pitched against Miami in The Regional Tournament at The Light.  How did you feel seeing him pitch against the Canes?  Were you torn between rooting for your brother or The U?

36: Look, I love my brother and I love The U.  When I went to The U that became my family. Watching that game, of course I wanted my brother to do well, but I wanted the Canes to win.  You have to understand, I love my University like my family. I love The U.

86: So what's next for LT?  What are your goals and plans?

36: Well I have my degree and I'm taking some more classes now (at UM). I liked working in broadcasting and may have some opportunities to do more of that.  But I really want to coach at The U.  My ultimate goal is to be the WR coach at Miami.  Aubrey (new UM WRs coach) is going to be a good coach for the program.  He's a disciplinarian, but he's good guy too.  I think he can help a guy like (Sam) Shields get the big picture.  He's a guy I could play for, I know that. 

I also want to be elected into the UM Hall of Fame, that's another goal.  I'm willing to pay my dues, and I'm willing to help the program and the Athletic Department any way I can.  I want all the fans to understand that I love The U, that's my family right there.

Join us again on Tuesday night at 8 PM for Part III of this series of articles on Hurricane Legend of the Fall Lamar Thomas.  LT talks about Coach Randy Shannon, the current Hurricane football team and which individual players to watch out for in 2008.  You will be surprised, I promise you that

Legends Of The Fall: Lamar Thomas

As part of our on-going series of articles and interviews with University of Miami football players, we sat down with former Hurricane wide receiver Lamar Thomas (LT).  The interview was held on Wednesday, June 11 at The Titanic Brewery near the UM Campus where we had a chance to have dinner a Hurricane Legend. 

Lamar (who could often be found at UM baseball games this year) was fired up and forthcoming in his responses to questions posed by Canespace blogger Cat5 (seen here at The Ti with OcalaCane), myself (86Cane) and many other fans here at Canespace who submitted questions prior to the interview. 

LT was also very generous with his time as he spent almost three hours with us at The Ti sharing stories about old school Canes.  We laughed a lot, learned what it takes to be successful at The U and also a little about what made those late 80's early 90's Hurricane teams so dominant. 

LT, who wore #36, played for the Canes from 1989 to 1992 and was part of infamous "Ruthless Posse".  He not only helped UM QB Gino Torretta win a Heisman Trophy but left UM as the Canes leading all-time receiver, passing another UM legend and recent NFL Hall Of Fame inductee Michael Irvin (The Playmaker) in the process.  LT was later passed in the UM record books by Canes WR Reggie Wayne, who now catches passes on Sundays from Peyton Manning. 

Here is our interview with Hurricane Legend of the Fall, Lamar Thomas:

Canespace (86): Tell us about your HS playing days (in Gainesville)?

Lamar Thomas (36): I wanted to be a Quarterback. I could have been a good QB.  They had me playing at Cornerback in my first year and I scored like nine Touchdowns, as a DB! That year late in the season I went up against Ronald Lewis (who later played at FSU) who was senior and he scored like three TDs in the game against me and we lost 21-20.  I was only a freshman.  The coaches asked me if I would play WR, and I said hell no, I don't want to get hit, I want to hit people! Well they moved me over anyway and the rest is history.

86: Who recruited you to Miami?

36: Don Soldinger recruited me to The U.  He was a no nonsense guy and he didn't mess around.  He came up to Gainesville and he looked me in the eye and said:  "Look don't waste my time.  Do we have a chance with you or not?" I remember he came to my HS and I saw that "U" on his shirt and I was all excited.  I wanted to play at Miami.  I know this sounds stupid now but I remember asking him, "Do you know Michael Irvin?"  I was a huge fan of "The Playmaker".  I wanted to be the next Michael Irvin.

86: What was it like when you arrived on campus?

36: I remember I was in the weight room when I first met "Ax" (then UM WR/TE coach Hubbard Alexander now the Head Coach at Melrose HS in Memphis, TN a UM pipeline).  Now here I was, this tall skinny kid struggling under the weights and he had never met me.  He asked someone "Who's this skinny kid" and I told him Coach, I'm Lamar Thomas and I'm going to be the next great reciever at Miami.  He just looked at me funny and said "You better stay in here 24/7 then!"  I told him coach I may never be good in here (the weight room) but I will catch the ball, I promise you that!

86: Tell us about practice at Greentree Field. 

36: It was coach (Art) Kehoe that really challenged me every day in practice. He'd say things like, "Ryan McNeil (the Canes starting CB) is gonna eat your lunch today" or "You'll never get off the line against Kenny Berry".  I went up against McNeil, Berry and Roland Smith in practice every day.  Bubba McDowel played safety.  They were all good, but Ryan (McNeil) was the best.  Practices were like game day. I knew whoever I was going to go up against in the game was going to be EASY. The guys I faced in practice were way better than they were.

86: When we interviewed Rohan Marley he told us that the Canes defense felt like "Lions on the Serengeti" out there (on Greentree).  How did the Canes offense feel?

36: Rohan said that?  Well, we were like...(LT thinks for a minute then says), we felt like B-52 bombers out there. We were always ready to go deep and drop some bombs on their heads.  Let the "lions" deal with that!

86: What games stand out for you during your UM Career?

36: It was the game against BYU and Ty Detmer that out me on the map.  I think I had like 9 catches in that game.  I was playing as a freshman between two seniors, Wesley Carroll and Randal Hill.  I was just glad to be on the field and here I was catching passes! 

Another game I remember well is scoring the game winning TD and beating FSU my senior year in "Wide Right II".  I remember FSU scored first and I kept telling the guys on the sideline not to get down.  I told them the score was 7-7.  We always felt that we had a 7 point advantage at home.  Here is something that a lot of people don' know.  I would listen to the "Warchant" song all day long before the FSU game.  When they started playing it in the stadium I would tell T-Buck (FSU DB Terrell Buckley) or Corey Sawyer (FSU DB) "Hey, they are playing my song".  They would look at me like I was crazy or something.  Mickey Andrews (FSU Defensive Coordinator) put Buckley on me every third down play because he knew I was Gino's go to guy. I wound up beat T-Buck for the game winning TD.  When I did that I knew I belonged. 

86: Tell us more about preparing for the big games?

36: I couldn't sleep.  I'd be so amped up I'd be up until like four in the morning.  I wouldn't put on deodorant or brush my teeth.  This was war!

86: Why couldn't you sleep?

36: Anticipation of the kill. The game against Houston and David Klingler is a good example.  They were all hyped up (by the media), but we knew we would destroy them.  Their DBs took a picture of a skeleton wearing a #36 jersey the week of the game.  That was their first mistake.  Now I was always hyped up for games, but that game?  I was crazy!  We beat them like 40 to 9, it wasn't even close.

Join us for Part II of the Lamar Thomas interview on Sunday at 8PM.  Lamar talks about the NFL draft, his time in the NFL, his teammates at the Bucs and Dolphins, the current Hurricane players that could be special and much more!   

One Year Later...

So here we all are, one year after Canespace was launched on June 17, 2007.  My, how time flies when you are blogging Hurricane sports 24/7!

After over 85,000 comments, 500,000 hits and over 1.2 million page views, Canespace continues to impact the blogging world with its committment, content and connections.  With over ten regular contributors located across the Country writing feature articles for "The Space", the diversity and dynamics that make Canespace unique in the blogging world continue to drive the blog forward into the big time blogoshpere.

Initially, they said it couldn't be done.  No way could an under-funded, fan-based, non-media affiliated site spring to the forefront of Hurricane athletic blogs.  They were wrong!  Not only has Canespace blogged into the big leagues with big media and big money players like the Miami Herald and Sun-Sentinel, but we have more than held our own with them all the way through.  Canespace has made the big time.

And we could NOT have achieved our goals without the friends we made along the way.  Special thanks go out to Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald who was the first to take a risk and support our grass roots, fan based efforts.  Canespace introduced the concept of LIVE chats and Manny rocked the blog with his witty and sincere responses to bloggers' questions in real time for the first time here on The Space. 

Then came Rudy Rodriguez-Chomat and Christopher Stock from InsidetheU.com who also brought you the news you could use despite some controversy along the way.  Chris introduced the "Monday Lunch With Chris" feature and turned blue Monday's into orange and green with his smart and insightful comments. 

We shared ideas and dinner with Shandel Richardson from the Sun-Sentinel at The Titanic and then took over The Light where we established "Canespace Corner".  We got our first sponsorship (advertisement) from CBS4 Sports.  Lastly, Brian Foley from The College Baseball Blog has joined the list of respected media types who have graced The Space.

Beyond that what really drove the blog was the original Spacers and those who came along later in our development that were true Canes fans.  Smart, knowledgeable and funny.  There are too many names to name.  But they were young and old, men and women, students and sports fans, international fans and military personnel. The world is simply covered by Canes fans far and wide.  When you look at the FeedJit map early in the morning and see over 15 to 20 COUNTRIES logged in you know The Space is a world wide rage.

Our first interview was with "Legend of the Fall" and son of a legend Rohan Marley.  Rohan, son of Music legend Bob Marley and a legend in his own right as a Hurricane warrior and hero, was straight out jamming when he talked to us.  He said that on Greentree practice field, the defense felt like "Lions on the Serengeti", masters of their domain.  The #2 never looked so large as when Rohan would run completely across the field at full speed and slam the ball carrier into the turf.  Small in stature, but large in heart and character, he was a true Hurricane legend.

The next interview that we will post will be with another Hurricane legend, Lamar Thomas #36. Lamar shared some intimate details and real stories of what it was like to be a Hurricane back in the day.  He countered Rohan's "Lions on the Serengeti" comment with one of his own.  Another Canespace classic coming to blog near you soon!

Canespace is just scratching the surface of what we have planned.  Media credentials are still a few steps away but UM Associate AD Jim Frevola, Patricia Brodeur from the UM Alumni Association and Lindsay Radeer from the Hurricane Club have all agreed to work with Canespace this coming football season. 

And when we get our official media credentials and then launch CanespaceTV with our planned guest hosts, there wil be nothing between us and our goal.  Winners win and they are proud of their hard work and accomplishments.  And so are we.  It has been a great year.  And the next one can only get better at Canespace.  Our goal is for Canespace will be the #1 blog in the entire Hurricane sports world. 

By The Fans, For The Fans.  Go Canes, Go Canespace!!!

Knock, Knock, Knocking Out FSU

Your Miami Hurricanes were knock, knock, knocking on Heaven's door going into the elimination game against archrival Florida State University at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.  Only one loss and a hated enemy stood between them and the end of their 2008 season. 

But these UM players had something to say and more to prove before making their departure from lovely, quaint Rosenblatt Stadium.  These Hurricanes would not leave the field until they knocked the cover off the ball, the stuffing out of Mike Martin and best of all the Seminoles team completely out of the CWS.  Poseys for everyone in the FSU dugout please!  And good riddance to the least respectable team to take the field in this year's CWS. 

As is his customary response in losing to the Canes, FSU Head Coach Mike "I have no class" Martin refused to take the field and shake hands after the game.  As sports role models go, Martin is in line with Michael Vick, Ricky Williams and Latrelle Sprewell.  Let the history and record books show that sportsmanship and class died with Mike Martin and the FSU baseball team.

The Canes move on with class to their next game at the CWS on Wednesday at 7PM.  See U there!

And to top off this monumnetal victory, we have a LIVE chat tonight at 9 PM with Brian Foley from The College Baseball Blog.  Be there and ask your questions, and get you answers!  Go Canes, Go Canespace!!!

More pics from HurricaneMitch from Day 1 of the CWS in Omaha:

Mixed Emotions

Happy and Sad. 

Happy for all the Fathers out there on their one special day of the year.  While my Dad is alive and well, my Father-in-law passed away this year.  I will be attending the Marlins-Rays game in St. Pete today in memory of him and his love for the game of baseball.  As some of you here on the blog know, he was a huge Marlins fan and we had attended games together at The Trop (and Dolphin stadium) in the past.  I suggest that if you still can that you to take time today to wish your Dad a very special: Happy Fathers Day!

Sad for the Hurricane hardballers who lost on Saturday night in their opening round game at the CWS. Miami took a 4-3 lead into the ninth inning with their star closer and recent MLB first round draft pick Carlos Gutierrez on the mound.  Carlos proceeded to give up four runs, the lead and the game to the never-say-die Georgia Bulldogs.  The loss drops the Canes into the losers (ouch!) bracket and a match-up against hated enemy and in-State rival Florida State Seminoles on Monday at 2 PM. 

It has been rumored that the Miami head coach Jim Morris will start Enrique "kiki" Garcia in the second game in place of Canes regular #2 pitcher Erik Erickson.  The Canes will be living on the edge from here on out as they cling to their national title hopes.  They must win to stay alive in the tournament.  Stay tuned Canespace for updates, previews, LIVE game blogging and post game reports.

Don't forget to join us again on Monday night at 9 PM for more LIVE chat and Q&A with Brian Foley from The College Basball Blog. 

GO CANES, BEAT THE NOLES!!!

The College Baseball Blog: LIVE Chat

Brian Foley the Editor of the College Baseball Blog will be joining us from 9-10 PM tonight to chat about the College World Series.  He can be found here:

http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/

The Canes play Georgia at 7 PM on Saturday night their first game of the Series. Here is the preview:

http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/tag/miami-fl/

Join us here at Canespace to blog the game LIVE. 

GO CANES, BEAT THE DAWGS!!!