Hansen's Back, 77 Straight, Lowe's High

I'm really happy to learn Marc Hansen will return as sports columnist for the Des Moines Register. I loved reading Marc's takes in the Big Peach era, and post-Peach as well (I miss the Big Peach. Who doesn't?). Hansen is insightful, thoughful, and critical without ever being mean-spirited...

I wish there were a way we could have Hansen back in sports without losing the talented Sean Keeler to cutbacks, but it's 2011...

Martensdale-St. Mary's fell behind 5-2 at Carlisle, but came back to win, 8-5. That's 77 straight and counting. It's not like the Blue Devils are playing an easy schedule either. Carlisle is a good 3-A team. (Martensdale-St. Mary's is 1-A)...

Hard to believe no Yankee has ever had 3000 hits. Derek Jeter is now just three away...

Most surprising read of the year to me is Rob Lowe's book, "Stories I Only Tell My Friends". It's everything you hope for in an autobiography: fascinating behind-the-scene stories, reflections and perspective on lessons learned, and a better understanding of not only the author, but many of the pop culture touchstones of a bygone era. Highly recommended for anyone who lived or loved the 80s...