- What do kids like more than Harry Potter? Alex Rodriguez, of course. Okay, maybe not, but there was a block-long line Friday for the a signing of A-Rod's new children's book, Out of the Ballpark
. The AP reports that the book features "a green-eyed youngster named Alex lets a grounder get between his legs at second base and loses a popup in playoff games attended by friends and family." Sounds a little like a certain third baseman for the New York Yankees, no? According to Rodriguez's two year old daughter Natasha, A-Rod's favorite song is Doe a Deer. That should totally be the song he's introduced to at Yankee Stadium.
- The winningest coach in Nets franchise history is getting a contract extension. Lawrence Frank, who has a record of 157-129 (.549) with the Nets, inked a multiyear extension with the team today. Terms of the deal were not announced. Frank has led the Nets to the playoffs in each of his four years, but they've never advanced past the 2nd round. Bruce Ratner had nothing but nice things to say, "His energy, leadership and detailed approach have played a huge part in making us a successful team. Without a doubt, Lawrence is the right coach to lead us for years to come."
- Do you think you can complete a 0.9-mile swim, a 24.9-mile bike ride and a 6.2-mile run all in a row? Well, competitors in the 7th Annual New York City Triathalon did. The race started at Riverside Park with a swim down the Hudson, followed by a bike ride up to and back from The Bronx, and ended in Central Park (nice map here). The winners were Emma Snowsill (1:57:23) and Greg Bennett (1:47:38), but the most impressive performance may have been from Byron "Soulja" Breeze of The Bronx. Soulja has no legs, opposing thumbs, was a first time triathlete, and finished in 1:54.01. Those that were nervous at the start received counseling from psychologists!
