The N. Period

Success! Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki will represent his nation and carry the German flag for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. You know what else? he got a sweet new haircut to celebrate the whole affair.

When I first saw this picture, which dates from 1983, I figured that it must've been an Orioles game, with many of the fans in the stands wearing orange shirts. But upon closer inspection it became clear that the majority of the supporters in Fenway Park's outfield were topless. Speaking with a co-worker who was going to ballgames in the early 1980s, this was apparently not such an out-of-the-ordinary sight.

Some real drama at the Ballpark last night as Josh Hamilton lit up fellow All-Star Francisco Rodriguez as he opened his career walk-off account. To that point K-Rod had 35 saves and had only given up one homer all year (41 appearances). The Hambino clobbered an off speed pitch to right field to win over the first place Angels. Great next chapter to what is already a provoking story.