The Closer: Preview of Schooled: The Price of College Sports

 

Tonight, Tuesday, October 8th, 2013, a specialty, one-of-a-kind documentary is premiering in New York City. Schooled: The Price of College Sports, an EPIX Original Documentary, is a "comprehensive look at the business, history and culture of big-time college football and basketball in America."

2013 MLB All Star Game: By The Numbers

It’s been two days since the American League’s 3-0 victory over the National League in the 2013 MLB All-Star Game and according to all reports, it was a smashing success for Major League Baseball. Obviously the New York Mets’ Citi Field was sold-out (a record crowd of 45,186 descended upon Queens for the game) for all the events but the real successes came from the millions that tuned in to the game across the country and the millions more that talked about on social media.

The Return of the Cosmos

New York based soccer franchise, the New York Cosmos, is back in action! Well, technically not until 2013 but the franchise is up and running again, affiliated with their old partner, the North American Soccer League (NASL).


The "new" New York Cosmos organization was formed on August of 2010 and claims lineage of the original New York Cosmos, who were active from 1971 to 1985 in the old NASL, which ceased operations in 1984. Trying to reestablish the status they once held in the original NASL as the strongest franchise financially and competitively, the Cosmos have named four former players to team management positions. Former Brazilian national team captain in the 1970 World Cup Carlos Alberto became their International Ambassador. Former French and Manchester United superstar Eric Cantona is now the Director of Soccer, with USA all-time leader in caps (164) Cobi Jones working directly under him as associate director. Reigning over them all as Honorary President is the king and greatest player of all time, Pelé. This star studded staff is looking very promising for the Cosmos, but they have yet to sign a single player to the professional roster. Even though the Cosmos haven't had a single game in almost 30 years, they have been able to maintain a loyal group of followers, with the main supporters group being the Borough Boys Supporters Club with over 1,000 members. 


The New York Cosmos were the most dominant franchise in the North American Soccer League, winning five league titles. The peak of their reign came when they signed German superstar Franz Beckenbauer, the Italian Chinaglia, and Pelé in the late 70s and early 80s. 

The New York Mets 50th Anniversary

The New York Mets are often known as the "second" best baseball team in New York. This year however the Mets are trying to gain a bit more publicity as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary as a major league franchise. The Mets began in 1962 and over fifty years have accomplished two World Championships and a ton of heartache for fans. This year however, the organization plans to give its fans a world class celebration. In January the Mets launched their anniversary campaign of "Mets50". This campaign has in my opinion been marketed to excellence as the team branded its new 50th Anniversary logo in a very efficient way. The 50th Anniversary path is on all uniforms and hats, as well as a sign on the fence in left-center. Along with this logo, the Mets launched a series of anniversary merchandise and has had special events such as: alumni dinners, the "Greatest Mets of All-Time", and even special meet-and-greets for season ticket holders. 

Being in the same city as the Yankees often has its disadvantages. The Mets hope that this campaign will help their struggling ticket sales and bring fans into the stadium. So far the Mets find themselves with a 18-13 record, and only a half game behind the first place Nationals in the NL East.

More information for this campaign can be found at: www.mets50.com