the mad sports man

 First version is out. Some highlights include: 1. Soccer and Rugby 7s begin prior to the opening ceremony. The ceremony itself is July 14. 2. Women's triathlon will be the first medals handed out on July 15. The men's triathlon will be the next day. 3. Athletics will be the first week and swimming will be the second week, first time that will happen since 1968. They are switched to accommodate preparation between the opening ceremony and the swimming. Closing ceremony is July 30. What highlights do you have? 

 The 2025-26 NHL schedule is out.  Opening night is October 7 with 3 games: Chicago at Florida (Stanley Cup banner raiser), Pittsburgh at New York Rangers and Colorado at Los Angeles. October 11 and 28 all 32 teams play, with the 28th games spread out. Nashville and Pittsburgh play in Stockholm on November 14 and 16. 2026 winter classic is January 2 with the Rangers playing Florida at Marlins park in Miami. The 2026 stadium series is February 1 at Raymond James stadium with Boston visiting Tampa Bay. The Olympic break is February 6-24. Season would resume on the 25th. Regular season ends on April 16, with the playoffs beginning a couple of nights later. This is the last season teams play 82 games. Under the new CBA, next season will have 84 games.

 The 2026 winter Olympics medals have been unveiled, and here they are. What do you think?

 Here is the wrecking ball that demolished the Polo Grounds in 1964. Clearly the ball was painted to resemble a baseball. It was the same ball and same crew that demolished Ebbets Field in 1960. Here it is.

 Here's a shot of Busch stadium #2 (left) and current Busch stadium (right). Left getting demolished and right getting built. Wild eh!!

 Here is a shot of Ebbets Field from the field. Note Jackie Robinson playing a rate game at second. Love the ads on the outfield wall and the scoreboard. Abe Stark ran a Laundromat (I think) and put an ad out if a batter hit the sign on the fly, they got a free suit. Enjoy.

 Here's another Exhibition stadium photo. This shows the north grandstand after completion in 1948. Also known as CNE stadium. The South stands was built in 1959. All but the original grandstand was changed after 1974 CFL season to fit a baseball field for the Blue Jays first season in 1977. Wild eh!?

 It's Canada Day. Today Canada celebrates its 158th birthday. Enjoy the day and the fireworks tonight.