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About Kirk Minihane

Kirk Minihane thinks "Slap Shot" is -- without argument -- the best sports movie ever made and is also convinced the 1985-86 Celtics would have finished with a record of 78-4 if they had cared about the regular season. He has been a columnist at WEEI.com since 2009 and is the co-host of "Sports Saturday" on WEEI.

 
COLUMNS
Kirk Minihane
08/18/2009 - 6:33am
Nothing Says a Pennant Race Like a Report Card
Q: What do you do when your 5,000-word “Tiger Woods is the Greatest Athlete of all time” column gets Yanged on Sunday afternoon? A: You pump out a Red Sox report card! My own fault, I was overconfident after Friday and assumed that we would spend the weekend watching a Tiger double-digit victory. Lesson learned.
Kirk Minihane
08/12/2009 - 2:31am
The Mailbag: Where Mr. Skin Meets Greg Luzinski
I live by one rule and one rule only. Any time I can dust off my Rex Reed mask from Halloween 1992 and play movie critic I'm doing it. And that chance has presented itself thanks to the "What the hell happened to the sports movie?" column I wrote earlier this week. So I'll tackle a couple of emails on that as well as a botched headline, The Captain, Mr. Skin and Greg Luzinski. To the ‘bag we go (and, as always, feel free to email away to kminihane@weei.com) -- Kirk,
Kirk Minihane
08/10/2009 - 8:31am
Why Can't Anybody Make a Great Sports Movie Anymore?
What happened to the sports movie? If you had stopped 14-year-old Kirk Minihane (he of the kminihane@weei.com email address for those who don't agree with what is about to be written) outside of the Burlington Mall theatre on April 21st of 1989 and told me that the movie I’d had just seen – Field Of Dreams – would signal the end of the sports movie as I knew it I doubt I would’ve recognized what language you were speaking.
Kirk Minihane
08/06/2009 - 9:37am
The Mailbag: The Fall Out From An David Ortiz Column
David Ortiz takes over for Jim Rice and Dwight Evans this week in the mailbag, and the Pink Hats aren’t exactly thrilled that I didn’t join them in that standing ovation last week. Oh well, we can always make up over a screening of “Still We Believe” while we swap stories about meeting Dennis Drinkwater. To the ‘bag we go (and, as always, feel free to email away to kminihane@weei.com) -- Kirk,
Kirk Minihane
08/03/2009 - 7:17am
Winners (Yaz) and Losers (Fenway Fans) In the David Ortiz Saga
A note to the 37,919 fans in attendance at Fenway for last Thursday’s win over the Athletics.  Asking for a curtain call from David Ortiz on the same day he was outed as a steroid user? That means the following: You can no longer chant “A-Roid”.  You cannot laugh at those fans in San Francisco who rooted for Barry Bonds, or the Yankees fans that cheered when it was announced that Clemens was coming back in 2007. You are those people. 
Kirk Minihane
07/30/2009 - 3:00am
The Mailbag: Another Round of Rice vs. Evans with Guest Star Michael Vick
    I thought I was done with Jim Rice and Dwight Evans. Lots of email  this week on these guys, and I tried to answer a couple of them. But there isn't much left to say, and I'm closing the book after this mailbag. But we have some fun as the Jim Ed crowd makes some noise (but let's hope that they still have energy-- they'll need it to get Ellis Burks into Cooperstown). Plus we look at George Washington Dungy, say goodbye to Jonathan Papelbon and I  defend Bruce Springsteen, Pete Rose and Nelson de la Rosa.
Kirk Minihane
07/26/2009 - 9:30pm
Why Belichick Could Sing A Different Tune On Vick
I have no idea if the Patriots want Michael Vick. You hear things, read things. Maybe they want to get into the Wildcat sweepstakes. Maybe they think Tom Brady isn’t completely healthy and don’t think there is a Cassell II in the wings. Corey Dillon and Randy Moss turned out OK, right? And if it worked with them…
Kirk Minihane
07/23/2009 - 6:18am
The Mailbag: Dealing With the Hall of Fame, Facebook, and Peepholes
Lots and lots of Dwight Evans vs. Jim Rice here this week.  The email was probably about 70-30 pro-Dewey, which surprised me more than a little. But the Rice crowd won’t give up the ghost. They are a resilient bunch, the lovers of the 6-4-3 (is that the number the Sox will retire on July 28?) and they let me have it over my lack of respect for Jim Ed.
Kirk Minihane
07/20/2009 - 6:55am
The Wrong Red Sox Outfielder Is Going Into the Hall This Weekend
Cooperstown, N.Y. – 2018
Kirk Minihane
07/16/2009 - 10:17am
The Mailbag: It's A Brand New Bag
Things seemed to have changed around here. I’ll confess that as I started attacking the mailbag this week I felt a little bit like Gary Cherone taking over vocals for Van Halen. Just didn’t belong on this piece of real estate. But by the end of the week I truly believe that I was giving off a Hagar vibe. That’s progress, right? We sort of jump (get it?) all over the place in the bag this week, as we try and find Joe Haggerty, figure out if Drew Bledsoe can match up with Babe Ruth and wonder if Chris Berman is in on the joke.
Kirk Minihane
07/13/2009 - 12:53am
Ten Years Later: The Last Great All-Star Game
I'm all over the place when it comes to dates.   Some are hard to pinpoint.  
Kirk Minihane
07/07/2009 - 11:39am
Best Season In Boston? There's Pedro and Everybody Else
So, here is the debate: Which Boston athlete can stake claim to the best individual season? (Note: Email me at kminihane@weei.com if you would like to debate further on our new feature at WEEI.com -- Slugfest.) Pretty straight forward here, just one rule -- a player can only appear on the list once. Why? Just wanted to avoid four Bobby Orr seasons, three from Ted Williams and a couple of Bill Russell's. Thought a little variety might make for a better read.
Kirk Minihane
06/30/2009 - 12:53pm
Would Lou Gehrig Have Been a Hero in 2009?
July 4th will mark the 70th anniversary of perhaps baseball’s most famous moment. (And maybe the most famous speech in sports history -- is “Win one for the Gipper” close?) Lou Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” farewell to roughly 60,000 at Yankee Stadium took place on July 4, 1939. Can any athlete ever again be as beloved as The Iron Horse was during his 277-word farewell?
Kirk Minihane
06/23/2009 - 9:42am
From Moiso to Russell, the Best and Worst of Celtics' Drafts
It’s okay to admit that you forgot the NBA Draft is Thursday night, or maybe didn’t know at all. This is what happens when you win 60 games and don’t have a first-round pick. If things stay the course right now the Celtics pick 58th. About the only interesting story there would be if Tyrese Rice were on the board. Not exactly gripping television.   
Kirk Minihane
06/16/2009 - 11:07am
Smoltz, Schilling Have A Lot In Common
Here comes John Smoltz. (What he’s going to do when he gets there is the question. Where does he fit in? Truth be told, I think it might be time to give Dice-K a couple of weeks in Florida to “work things out.” Plus, I guess it’s 50/50 that Brad Penny gets moved in the next few weeks. I’m thinking if Smoltz pitches well, he stays in the rotation and the Sox will be happy worrying about too many starters.)
Kirk Minihane
06/09/2009 - 6:02am
These Things I Know: Feeling Bad For Derek Jeter and the Terminator Franchise
Stuff that’s been kicking around in my head for the last few days…  
Kirk Minihane
06/02/2009 - 6:34am
Red Sox Report Card: There are no 'A's' For Effort
Couple of things before I present the Red Sox First Two Months Report Card (terrible title I know, but better than 'A Report Card for a Little More than a Quarter of the Season but Not Yet A Third')…   Grades are based on expectation heading into 2009. If Jason Bay had the same stats as Jason Varitek he’d probably be looking at a C-/D+, for example.   And all stats are through 5/31…   Jason Bay (A)  
Kirk Minihane
05/26/2009 - 9:13pm
The 20 Best Living Ballplayers (No, Yogi Isn't No. 1)
So this idea was triggered by something I read in Peter King’s Tuesday edition of his Monday Morning Quarterback (usually a mailbag-type setup) on 5/19. King was describing the scene at a charity dinner for the great Paul Zimmerman.   “Yogi Berra and Dick Ebersol next to each other at the NBC table. When I introduced Yogi as the greatest living baseball player in the United States, everyone began clapping, and Ebersol stood, and then everyone stood.”  
Kirk Minihane
05/19/2009 - 6:29am
Favre Should Take a Lesson From the Marvelous One
And it was all over. He came home an American hero. He bragged to the world he'd beat the Russians. He delivered. He can now command the same money as heavyweight prizefighters. He was invited to dinner by statesmen and kings. Then Bobby Fischer made the most original, unexpected move of all. He disappeared. --Searching for Bobby Fischer   Brett Favre has me thinking about Marvin Hagler.  
Kirk Minihane
05/11/2009 - 2:48pm
Manny's Aftermath: Winners and Losers From His Suspension
I’m not sure there is anything left to be written about Manny Ramirez, so I’ll try and leave out all the stuff that you’ve seen over the past four days. We’ll just focus on how this affected some of the major supporting characters in the saga and try as best we can to stay away from the lead. It’s sort of like how you never actually saw Nixon in “All the President’s Men.” That’s a good comparison, of course, because like Nixon, Manny was raised a Quaker and was always fiercely anti-communist.
Kirk Minihane
05/04/2009 - 11:45am
Where Does 'The Truth' Stand?
Is Paul Pierce a Hall of Famer?  
Kirk Minihane
04/27/2009 - 12:49pm
Guess What? Tim Wakefield Is Reaching Legendary Status
Two things about Tim Wakefield (the first one you probably won’t care much about, the second you might). 1. For about the last 12 years or so, every time I go to a Sox game Wakefield is pitching. I can’t escape him. I’ve seen him in New York, Seattle, Baltimore, San Francisco, Toronto. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I saw him pitch for the Pittsburgh Crawfords in a 1936 Negro League game vs. the Homestead Grays.
Kirk Minihane
03/30/2009 - 2:48pm
Top 64 Sports Movies, Part II: Much Ado About 'Teen Wolf Too'
So here is Part II. Following last week's entry on the bottom half of the list of the Top 64 Sports Movies, I was surprised at some of the email reaction. The movie I was most asked about? Teen Wolf. For some reason people wanted to know if the tale of one Scott Howard would make the final 32. Will it? Or will I give Teen Wolf Too (featuring the same Chubbs but a different Stiles) a spot? To the list…
Kirk Minihane
03/20/2009 - 2:14am
Top 64 Sports Movies: No 'Celtic Pride' Didn't Make The Cut
I was going to call this the 64 Greatest Sports Movies of all time but it became pretty clear that there are nowhere near 64 great sports films. Maybe 30 or so could be argued as great (at most). A couple of things before we get started… (1) There are movies that I have seen on a lot of lists that I cannot count as a sports movie. Gladiator, to me, isn’t a sports movie. Best in Show is not a sports movie. They don’t pass the smell test.
Kirk Minihane
03/13/2009 - 4:34pm
Handicapping Boston's Future: Which Local Sports Figures Will Still Be Here In 2020?
When Paul Pierce was at the free throw line last Friday night Mike Tirico mentioned that Pierce had been with the Celtics forever, since 1998. Eleven years in the bank. That stuck with me for some reason. Tirico was right. In sports now, to stay in one city for 11 years is pretty near remarkable.  Look at 1998 from a Boston sports perspective. How long ago does some of this stuff seem? 1998 Red Sox: Jimy Williams. The Duke. Way Back Wasdin made 45 appearances. Reggie Jefferson and Darren Bragg.


Audio On Demand

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It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Tebow's release

Mike Florio joined the program to discuss the Jets decision to release Tim Tebow, he said the situation is as disaster all around for the Jets and that the problems begins with owner Woody Johnson. Mike also said that he was disappointed with the Pats moving back in the first round.

Mike Petraglia, WEEI.com, Sits Down with Butch Stearns to Help Break Down the Pats Draft

One of the hardest working men in the biz, Mike Petraglia aka "Trags", sits down with Butch Stearns live in Foxborough to help break down all the latest Pats moves. He discusses his reaction to the trade in Round 1 and the guys those picks produced. Also, the boys talk about the decent trade the Pats made in acquiring LeGarrette Blount from Tampa Bay for Jeff Demps and a 7th rounder.

Celtics President Danny A…

Celtics President Danny Ainge with Salk and Holley

We check in with Danny Ainge for our first talk to him since the Celtics season ended last weekend. We talk about the future of the team, KG, Pierce, Doc Rivers and more, as Danny directly answers the rumors being floated by ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Jackie MacMullan, ESPNBoston.com: "Gut" tells me Doc will stay

Jackie Mac joins the show to discuss the trade rumors swirling around Paul Pierce, KG, Doc Rivers and the Celtics. She also discusses the future of the Celtics head coach.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on his rumored Celtics Clippers trade

Stephen A. joined the program to discuss the trade rumors he has reported regarding a possible trade including Doc Rivers and the Clippers. Stephen A. also told the guys that he has heard that Danny and Doc may be tiring of working together.

John Farrell postgame pre…

John Farrell postgame press conference

John Farrell postgame press conference

David Ortiz after the second game in Minnesota

Joe Castiglione and Dave O'Brien talked to David Ortiz after the Red Sox beat the Twins 12-5. Big Papi said that team chemistry is great, that the new guys see the Sox way of doing things.

John Farrell pregame before the middle game of the Minnesota series

Joe Castiglione talked to John Farrell before the second game against the Twins. The manager said that the Sox can win with small-ball or with big-ball.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

Pierre McGuire, NBC Sports, on Game 1 Bruins Rangers

Pierre McGuire joins Tom Caron and Mut to discuss the Bruins young defensemen, the intensity and energy level in the game, and the Rangers offense.

Shawn Thornton on his mes…

Shawn Thornton on his message to Seguin in Game 7 against the Leafs

Shawn joined the program to discuss another overtime win for the Bruins. When asked about Game 7 against Toronto, Thornton said that he would like to keep his specific comments in the dressing room private, but acknowledged that he encouraged Tyler Seguin to up his play and it paid off in overtime.

NESN's Barry Pederson on Bruins Rangers game one

Barry joined the guys to help breakdown the Bruins overtime win last night in game one. Barry said that he has rarely seen a team dominate as much as the Bruins yet be forced to an overtime.

Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D…

Matt Bartkowski, Bruins D: Coaches and teammates have made him comfortable

Bruins rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski has emerged as one of the young stars of the team and he joins Mut and Tom Caron to discuss his role on the team, why he's confident, and the trade that almost sent him to Calgary.

Kevin Millar, Former Red Sox 1B, on Sox struggles

Millar joins the show to discuss the recent Sox slide, Jacoby Ellsbury's lack of power, and hitting in the big leagues.

Andy Brickley, NESN: Keep Bartkowski in lineup

Andy Brickley joins the show to discuss the Bruins Game 1 win over the Rangers, the play of the three young Bruins defensemen, and the fatigue Jagr has shown on the ice.

An hour with Jack: Breaki…

An hour with Jack: Breaking down the Bruins OT win over the Rangers with NESN's Jack Edwards

We talk all things game one with Jack Edwards of NESN, and get to hear a little from Jack's Finnish protege as well.

Salk and Holley's Four at Four - 05/17/13

We tackle four topics we haven't yet touched upon today.. Joe Thornton and disappointing former Boston athletes, parking in Boston, buying jersey numbers and more...

Yo Soy Traction! Rob Gronkowski now may need back surgery in addition to his 4th surgery on his injured wrist.

We talk about the report that Rob Gronkowski may now be a candidate for back surgery with a disc problem. Is Gronk just an injury prone guy? Or is he not rehabbing proberly? Can the Pats build an offense around a guy who is so inconsistently on the field? We discuss.

Daily Planet Thursday May…

Daily Planet Thursday May 9th

The Bruins have almost finished raking the Leafs, the Red Sox struggle from the mound, Miami Heat fans show their level of class.

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Wednesday May 8th

Daily Planet Tuesday May 7th

Today on the Daily Planet the Bruins take a 2-1 series lead, the Red Sox get a run-off win, and we hear about cannibals and bible thieves.

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsb…

Buster Olney, ESPN: Ellsbury play will hurt him in free agency

Buster Olney joins the show to discuss the muddled AL East, the average play of Ellsbury and how that will affect him in free agency, and Tropicana Field.

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Linda calls in to describe the scene on Dexter St in Watertown

Linda explains how the shootout transpired in Watertown during the early morning hours. She saw the first suspect mortally wounded and police beginning the manhunt for the second suspect.

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Boston bombing hero Jeff Bauman: "He's dead and I'm still here"

Jeff Bauman, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, joined the show to give the guys an update of his condition and a first-hand account of that terrible day. Jeff told the guys how he wrote the description of the bomber as soon as he could. Mr. Bauman added that he is aided every day with the knowledge that he is alive and the terrorist that detonated the bomb is dead.

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It Is What It Is Cast: Examining the New England Patriots offseason

In the latest edition of the "It Is What It Is" podcast, Chris Price and CSNNE's Mike Giardi take a look at the Patriots offseason on both sides of the ball, try and get a handle on which new guys will make an impact first, and whether or not the Patriots have altered their style when it comes to drafting and developing wide receivers.

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Rangers superfan Boomer Esiason on the Bruins game 1 win

Boomer joined the program to discuss the tough loss for his beloved Rangers. Boomer told the guys that Lundqvist will be better in game two and predicted a seven game series.

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