The latest news and interviews from WBAISports.com and Samori Benjamin.http://wbaisports.com/podcast.aspx(c) 2008, Samori Benjamin. All rights reserved.noWBAI's Samori Benjamin takes bring you the world of sports. You can listen to WBAISports, live on 99.5FM in New York City, weekdays at 7 and 8am.The mission of WBAISports.com is to further push WBAI sports in the interest of WBAI radio and to introduce sports to an audience that historically has not followed sports, as well as to introduce WBAI to a new audience. For centuries sports has brought people together and it transcends through race, class, and gender. The mission of WBAI sports is to cover sports the way it has never been covered before and to change the face of sports media coverage, while doing it in the media capital of the world. The goal of the sports department is to present sports stories that can excite both the hardcore sports fan as well as the person who up until now could have cared less about sports. There are so many wonderful interesting stories both on and off the field that never get told. We look to bring those stories to the world while at the same time being on top of the major stories that continue to make the industry go round.WBAI SportsSamori Benjaminsamori@wbaisports.com5noThe Rutgers Women fall to the University of Connecticut in the elite eight. Ending their chances of making it back to the National Championship Game. The game marked the end of the collegiate careers for Rutgers' senior guards Essence Carson and Matee Ajavon.The Rutgers Women fall to the University of Connecticut in the elite eight. Ending their chances of making it back to the National Championship Game. The game marked the end of the collegiate careers for Rutgers' senior guards Essence Carson and Matee Ahttp://wbaisports.com/audio/09%20Track%209.mp3Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:32:40 GMTrutgers basketballnoL.S.U. and Stanford advance to Women's final four. Stanford All-American shooting guard Candace Wiggins gets emotional after the Game.L.S.U. and Stanford advance to Women's final four. Stanford All-American shooting guard Candace Wiggins gets emotional after the Game.http://wbaisports.com/audio/08%20Track%208.mp3Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:49:15 GMTwomen's basketballnoAfter defeating George Washington University in the sweet 16, The Rutgers Women's basketball team prepares to face the #1 ranked to in the Land, University of Connecticut, in the elite Eight. Plus Rutger guard Essence Carson speaks with Wbai Sports about balancing a hectic academic and basketball schedule.After defeating George Washington University in the sweet 16, The Rutgers Women's basketball team prepares to face the #1 ranked to in the Land, University of Connecticut, in the elite Eight. Plus Rutger guard Essence Carson speaks with Wbai Sports abouthttp://wbaisports.com/audio/07%20Track%207.mp3Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:36:51 GMTrutgersnoListen to Samori Benjamin and WBAI program Director Bernard White talk about the firing of Willie Randolph by the New York Mets on the morning it happened. Also hear Samori's report with Mets infielder Damion Easley and Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington about the importance of African-American managers in major league baseball.Listen to Samori Benjamin and WBAI program Director Bernard White talk about the firing of Willie Randolph by the New York Mets on the morning it happened. Also hear Samori's report with Mets infielder Damion Easley and Texas Rangers manager Ron Washingtohttp://wbaisports.com/audio/JUNE%2017TH%20Final.mp3Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:35:24 GMTmetsnoRutgers University guard Essence Carson talks about the challenge of contending with the University of Connecticut.Rutgers University guard Essence Carson talks about the challenge of contending with the University of Connecticut.http://wbaisports.com/audio/06%20Track%206.mp3Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:12:42 GMTrutgers noWBAISPORTS speaks with Rutgers University head basketball coach Vvivian C. Stringer about building a basketball program at Rutgers that can compete with perennial powerhouse, and big-east rival, uconn, as well as perennial powerhouse University of Tennessee, who Rutgers lost to in the 2007 championship game. Uconn Tennessee have combined for 13 national championship titles since 1987.WBAISPORTS speaks with Rutgers University head basketball coach Vvivian C. Stringer about building a basketball program at Rutgers that can compete with perennial powerhouse, and big-east rival, uconn, as well as perennial powerhouse University of Tennesshttp://wbaisports.com/audio/05%20Track%205.mp3Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:53:57 GMTvivian C. StringernoOn the evening of June 9th Ken Griffey Jr. became the sixth man to reach 600 career home runs. Plus, Griffey and others speak with WBAI Sports about the decline of African-Americans playing participating in baseball. On the evening of June 9th Ken Griffey Jr. became the sixth man to reach 600 career home runs. Plus, Griffey and others speak with WBAI Sports about the decline of African-Americans playing participating in baseball. http://wbaisports.com/audio/Wakeup%20Call%20June%2010tb%208%20Oclock%20Final%202.mp3Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:39:14 GMTbest of 2008noAfter beginning the season 8-3, the New York Jets lost four of their final five games to finish the season with a 9-7 record. Which led to management sacking head coach Eric ManginiAfter beginning the season 8-3, the New York Jets lost four of their final five games to finish the season with a 9-7 record. Which led to management sacking head coach Eric Manginihttp://wbaisports.com/audio/December%2030th%20Final%202.mp3Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:24:14 GMTjetsnoJamaica's Usain Bolt won three gold medals and broke three world records at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Listen to his 200 meter record breaking performance. Jamaica's Usain Bolt won three gold medals and broke three world records at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Listen to his 200 meter record breaking performance. http://wbaisports.com/audio/August%2021st%20Final.mp3Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:28:57 GMTusain boltnoThe best basketball team in the New York Tri-state area is the Lady Scarlett Knights of Rutgers. On selection day 2008, for the ncaa tournament, The Lady Scarlett Knights were given a tough seeding. Rutgers head coach Vivian C. Stringer was not happy that night.The best basketball team in the New York Tri-state area is the Lady Scarlett Knights of Rutgers. On selection day 2008, for the ncaa tournament, The Lady Scarlett Knights were given a tough seeding. Rutgers head coach Vivian C. Stringer was not happy thhttp://wbaisports.com/audio/04%20Track%204.mp3Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:39:28 GMTrutgersnoOn January 9th Stephon Marbury returned to the basketball court after spending nearly a month on bereavement leave following the passing of his father, Don Marbury. Stephon hits the game winning basket over Chicago’s Chris Duhon, and the Knicks snap a 7 game losing streak. Also, Goose Gossage gets elected to the hall of fame... Plus more hall of fame talk. On January 9th Stephon Marbury returned to the basketball court after spending nearly a month on bereavement leave following the passing of his father, Don Marbury. Stephon hits the game winning basket over Chicago’s Chris Duhon, and the Knicks snap a http://wbaisports.com/audio/03%20Track%203.mp3Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:14:03 GMTknicksnoIsiah Thomas make his final stand at Madison Square Garden as New York Knicks head coach. Walt Clyde Frazier speaks with WBAI Sports about the Isiah Thomas Era.Isiah Thomas make his final stand at Madison Square Garden as New York Knicks head coach. Walt Clyde Frazier speaks with WBAI Sports about the Isiah Thomas Era.http://wbaisports.com/audio/10%20Track%2010.mp3Sat, 27 Dec 2008 22:55:22 GMTknicksnoMichael Phelps wins the 200 meter medley in Beijing, and wins his 10th career gold medal, which sets a new Olympic mark. Michael Phelps wins the 200 meter medley in Beijing, and wins his 10th career gold medal, which sets a new Olympic mark. http://wbaisports.com/audio/AUGUST%2013TH%20FINAL.mp3Sat, 27 Dec 2008 22:28:13 GMTmichael phelpsnoMichael Phelps ties Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz with the most career Olympic gold medals by one athlete with 9. Michael Phelps ties Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz with the most career Olympic gold medals by one athlete with 9. http://wbaisports.com/audio/August%2012th%20Final.mp3Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:06:14 GMTmichael phelpsnoWBAI Sports speaks with the New York Knicks about their thoughts of Barack Obama. They talk about why NBA players didn't come together in public support of Obama, and they tell us why professional athletes today fail to take stands on pressing political and social issues. WBAI Sports speaks with the New York Knicks about their thoughts of Barack Obama. They talk about why NBA players didn't come together in public support of Obama, and they tell us why professional athletes today fail to take stands on pressing political http://wbaisports.com/audio/Tuesday%20Sports%20(Knicks%20For%20Obama).mp3Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:00:40 GMTnbanoOn the eve of the opening of the new season Samori Benjamin speaks with New York Knicks forward David Lee.On the eve of the opening of the new season Samori Benjamin speaks with New York Knicks forward David Lee.http://wbaisports.com/audio/WBAI%20Sports%20-%20David%20Lee%20Interview.mp3Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:57:29 GMTNew York KnicksnoWith just 8% of Major League Baseball filled with African-American ball players, can the two reigning National League MVP's from the same team, playing in this world series, get the black community excited about the sport? Philadelphia's Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins speak with us about the issue. With just 8% of Major League Baseball filled with African-American ball players, can the two reigning National League MVP's from the same team, playing in this world series, get the black community excited about the sport? Philadelphia's Ryan Howard and http://wbaisports.com/audio/Wednesday%20Sports%20Final.mp3Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:54:17 GMTnbanoThe New York Knicks opened training camp this week. The players speak with WBAI Sports about the new regime, and they add their two cents on another collapse by the New York Mets.The New York Knicks opened training camp this week. The players speak with WBAI Sports about the new regime, and they add their two cents on another collapse by the New York Mets.http://wbaisports.com/audio/Knicks%20Report%20Final.mp3Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:15:53 GMTNew York KnicksnoIn 2007 Torri Hunter and Shannon Stewart spoke with WBAI Sports about being the only African-American ball players on their respective teams. Hunter with the Minnesota Twins and Stewart with the Oakland Athletics. From 2003 through 2005 Hunter and Stewart teamed up with Jaque Jones in Minnesota to form an all African-American starting outfield dubbed the “Soul Patrol”.In 2007 Torri Hunter and Shannon Stewart spoke with WBAI Sports about being the only African-American ball players on their respective teams. Hunter with the Minnesota Twins and Stewart with the Oakland Athletics. From 2003 through 2005 Hunter and Stewahttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Twins%20Final.mp3Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:30:00 GMTAfrican-AmericansnoFormer major leaguer and current Detroit Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon speaks with WBAI Sports about being on the first All black team to reach the little league world series in 1971. McClendon's team was from Gary, Indiana. Detroit Tigers slugger Gary Sheffield also speaks with WBAI Sports about making into the little world series with an all black team from Tampa Bay Florida in 1980. Sheffield also speaks about the influence his uncle Dwight Gooden had on him becoming interested in the sport.Former major leaguer and current Detroit Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon speaks with WBAI Sports about being on the first All black team to reach the little league world series in 1971. McClendon's team was from Gary, Indiana. Detroit Tigers slugghttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Tigers%20Final.mp3Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:18:48 GMTAfrican-AmericansnoFollowing the final game ever at Yankee Stadium, a 7-3 Yankees win over Baltimore, Yankee captain Derek Jeter salutes the Yankee Stadium crowd. Take a listen.Following the final game ever at Yankee Stadium, a 7-3 Yankees win over Baltimore, Yankee captain Derek Jeter salutes the Yankee Stadium crowd. Take a listen.http://wbaisports.com/audio/Yankee%20Stadium%20Finale.mp3Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:19:41 GMTDerek JeternoLegendary broadcaster and Dodgers fan Larry King speaks WBAI Sports about Jackie Robinson and the decline of African-American participation in baseball. WBAI Sports also speaks with Current Dodgers outfielders Juan Pierre and Matt Kemp, as well as former Dodgers outfielder Reggie Smith.Legendary broadcaster and Dodgers fan Larry King speaks WBAI Sports about Jackie Robinson and the decline of African-American participation in baseball. WBAI Sports also speaks with Current Dodgers outfielders Juan Pierre and Matt Kemp, as well as formerhttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Dodgers%20Final%202.mp3Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:40:47 GMTAfrican-AmericansnoOn May 6th the New York Mets lost to the L.A. Dodgers 5-1. WBAI Sports speaks with two members from Jackie Robinson's franchise. Outfielder Juan Pierre talks about how much interest he sees in L.A.'s black community in baseball, as well as his visit to Major League Baseball's baseball academy in Compton California. WBAI Sports Also speaks with Dodgers Outfielder Matt Kemp.On May 6th the New York Mets lost to the L.A. Dodgers 5-1. WBAI Sports speaks with two members from Jackie Robinson's franchise. Outfielder Juan Pierre talks about how much interest he sees in L.A.'s black community in baseball, as well as his visit to Mahttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Dodgers%20Final.mp3Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:25:34 GMTAfrican-AmericansnoCecil Cooper is one of four African-American managers in Major League Baseball Today. In a weekend series from August 22nd through August 25th Cooper's Astros locked horns against Jerry Manuel's New York Mets. The match-up was one of the rare occurrences when two African-American managers faced off against each other. On August 26th WBAI Sports spoke with Cooper and aired a report. Cecil Cooper is one of four African-American managers in Major League Baseball Today. In a weekend series from August 22nd through August 25th Cooper's Astros locked horns against Jerry Manuel's New York Mets. The match-up was one of the rare occurrencehttp://wbaisports.com/audio/AUGUST%2026TH%20FINAL.mp3Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:18:31 GMTAfrican-AmericansnoOn April 15th 1997 Jackie Robinson’s number 42 was retired throughout Major League Baseball in honor of the man who broke the sports color barrier 50 years earlier. Ball players who wore number 42 at the time were allowed to continue wearing the number until they left their current team. Only one man is still with his team, and he's the last major leaguer that will ever wear number 42. That's New York Yankees closer "the great" Mariano Rivera, and he spoke with WBAI Sports about what it means to be the last one to hold down Jackie's number 42.On April 15th 1997 Jackie Robinson’s number 42 was retired throughout Major League Baseball in honor of the man who broke the sports color barrier 50 years earlier. Ball players who wore number 42 at the time were allowed to continue wearing the number unhttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Mariano%20Rivera%20Final.mp3Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:57:15 GMTMariano RiveranoOn August 26th the Philadelphia Phillies came back from a 7-0 deficit to beat the New York Mets 8-7 in 13 innings to overtake them for first place atop the National League East division by a half game. Philadelphia is the team of the National League's reigning Most Valuable Players the past two seasons, Shortstop Jimmy Rollins won the award in 2007 and first baseman Ryan Howard took home the honors in 2006. With the number of African-Americans in Major League Baseball being at only 8%, and the level of interest in baseball declining amongst African-American youth, can these two superstars get black youth excited about the sport? Both men spoke with WBAI Sports about the issue.On August 26th the Philadelphia Phillies came back from a 7-0 deficit to beat the New York Mets 8-7 in 13 innings to overtake them for first place atop the National League East division by a half game. Philadelphia is the team of the National League's rehttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Rollins%20Howard%20Philly%20Final.mp3Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:22:09 GMTAfrican-AmericansnoNew York Mets manager Jerry Manuel Speaks with WBAI Sports about growing up in the South, with a father who played in the Negro Leagues, and the rest of his background which eventually led to him becoming one of the few African-American managers in the history of major league baseball. New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel Speaks with WBAI Sports about growing up in the South, with a father who played in the Negro Leagues, and the rest of his background which eventually led to him becoming one of the few African-American managers in the hihttp://wbaisports.com/audio/June%2023rd%208%20oclock%20final.mp3Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:39:00 GMTJerry ManuelnoNew York Mets manager Jerry Manuel Speaks with WBAI Sports about growing up in the South, with a father who played in the Negro Leagues, and the rest of his background which eventually led to him becoming one of the few African-American managers in the history of major league baseball.New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel Speaks with WBAI Sports about growing up in the South, with a father who played in the Negro Leagues, and the rest of his background which eventually led to him becoming one of the few African-American managers in the hihttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Manuel%20Report%201.mp3Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:00:55 GMTJerry ManuelnoWillie Randolph and Jerry Manuel are the only two African-American managers in New York City baseball history. Two weeks before Willie Randolph was fired by the New York Mets WBAI Sports spoke with then Mets bench coach Jerry Manuel about the pressure Randolph was under. Since then, Mets management has replaced Randolph with Manuel as Mets manager. Manuel, who had previously managed the Chicago White Sox from 1998 through 2003, also spoke about his chances of getting a second opportunity to manage a major league ball club, when so many African-American managers before him were denied that second opportunity. Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel are the only two African-American managers in New York City baseball history. Two weeks before Willie Randolph was fired by the New York Mets WBAI Sports spoke with then Mets bench coach Jerry Manuel about the pressure Rahttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Wakeup%20Call%20June%202nd%208%20Oclock%20(2).MP3Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:06:49 GMTNew York MetsnoListen to Samori Benjamin and WBAI program Director Bernard White talk about the firing of Willie Randolph by the New York Mets on the morning it happened. Also hear Samori's report with Mets infielder Damion Easley and Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington about the importance of African-American managers in major league baseball.Listen to Samori Benjamin and WBAI program Director Bernard White talk about the firing of Willie Randolph by the New York Mets on the morning it happened. Also hear Samori's report with Mets infielder Damion Easley and Texas Rangers manager Ron Washingthttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Wakeup%20Call%20June%2017th%208clock%20(Willie%20Fired).MP3Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:34:04 GMTNew York MetsnoJimmy Rollins is the reigning National league MVP. He is also one of just two starting African-American shortstops in major league baseball today. On July 22nd he drove in the game winning runs against his nemesis, the New York Mets. Rollins speaks with WBAI sports about what the shortstop position means to him. Ozzie Smith also speaks with WBAI sports about Rollins and the other starting African-American shortstop in major league baseball, Derek Jeter.Jimmy Rollins is the reigning National league MVP. He is also one of just two starting African-American shortstops in major league baseball today. On July 22nd he drove in the game winning runs against his nemesis, the New York Mets. Rollins speaks withttp://wbaisports.com/audio/jULY%2023RD%20fINAL.mp3Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:19:01 GMTJimmy RollinsnoBetween July 17th-July 20th the New York Mets were in Cincinnati to face the Reds. During the 1972 world series Jackie Robinson made his final public appearance in Cincinnati where he urged then commissioner Bowie Kuhn to see to it that major league baseball hire an African American manager for the first time in league history. WBAI Sports talks about Jackie's legacy with Cincinnati Reds hall of famers Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, and Ken Griffey Jr. as well as current Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips.Between July 17th-July 20th the New York Mets were in Cincinnati to face the Reds. During the 1972 world series Jackie Robinson made his final public appearance in Cincinnati where he urged then commissioner Bowie Kuhn to see to it that major league basehttp://wbaisports.com/audio/JULY%2020TH%20FINAL.mp3Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:13:40 GMTJackie RobinsonnoOn the eve of the 2008 All-Star game at Yankee Stadium wbai sports speaks with Joe Morgan, Ernie Banks, and Mickey Rivers about their memories of the all-star game and Yankee Stadium.On the eve of the 2008 All-Star game at Yankee Stadium wbai sports speaks with Joe Morgan, Ernie Banks, and Mickey Rivers about their memories of the all-star game and Yankee Stadium.http://wbaisports.com/audio/july%2015th%202.mp3Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:24:37 GMTMickey RiversnoOn June 9th Ken Griffey Jr. became just the 6th player in major league baseball history to reach the 600 career homerun mark. Listen to Samori Benjamin and wbai program director Bernard White discuss the historic feat. Plus listen to Samori's report on the legacy of Griffey Jr. and his impact on African-American youth becoming excited about the sport. On June 9th Ken Griffey Jr. became just the 6th player in major league baseball history to reach the 600 career homerun mark. Listen to Samori Benjamin and wbai program director Bernard White discuss the historic feat. Plus listen to Samori's report onhttp://wbaisports.com/audio/Wakeup%20Call%20June%2010tb%208%20Oclock%20Final.MP3Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:28:39 GMTmlbno Samori Benjamin speaks with Ernie Banks about his days playing in the Negro Leagues with Hank Aaron. and Willie Mays. Also Mickey Rivers who played on the New York Yankees world series winning teams of 1977 and 78' talks about playing baseball in the segregated South. Also: Reggie Smith, Ozzie Smith, Dave Winfield and more. Samori Benjamin speaks with Ernie Banks about his days playing in the Negro Leagues with Hank Aaron. and Willie Mays. Also Mickey Rivers who played on the New York Yankees world series winning teams of 1977 and 78' talks about playing baseball in the shttp://wbaisports.com/audio/JULY17THFINAL.mp3Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:48:32 GMT2008 All-Star BreaknoRight before the start of the 2008 homerun derby at Yankee Stadium WBAI Sports speaks with Ernie Banks, Joe Morgan, Don Baylor and Milton Bradley about the Derby.Right before the start of the 2008 homerun derby at Yankee Stadium WBAI Sports speaks with Ernie Banks, Joe Morgan, Don Baylor and Milton Bradley about the Derby.http://wbaisports.com/audio/JULY15THFINAL.mp3Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:37:05 GMT2008 All-Star BreaknoTexas' Ron Washington is one of only four African-American managers in major League Baseball. He speaks with WBAI Sports as Willie Randolph fights to keep his job as Mets manager. Washington Chimes in on the Randolph situation in New York, as well as speaking about the decline of African-Americans in the sport, and growing up playing baseball in segregated New Orleans where he was a part of the city’s first high school integration class.Texas' Ron Washington is one of only four African-American managers in major League Baseball. He speaks with WBAI Sports as Willie Randolph fights to keep his job as Mets manager. Washington Chimes in on the Randolph situation in New York, as well as sphttp://wbaisports.com/audio/RonWashingtonFinal.mp3Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:21:57 GMTRon WashingtonnoA talk with C. Vivian Stringer and her former backcourt Matee Ajavon and Essence Carson. Ajavon and Caron met as pros for the first time when the NY Liberty hosted the Houston Comets on Friday night. Carson believes that every one of Stringer's Knights will leave the program "well prepared, whether it's just for life in general or whether it's for professional basketball."A talk with C. Vivian Stringer and her former backcourt Matee Ajavon and Essence Carson. Ajavon and Caron met as pros for the first time when the NY Liberty hosted the Houston Comets on Friday night. Carson believes that every one of Stringer's Knights wihttp://wbaisports.com/audio/06-09-2008%20WuCb.MP3Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:58:01 GMTLady Scarlet KnightsnoPedro Martinez returns from injury against San Francisco. Joba Chamberlain makes his big start.Pedro Martinez returns from injury against San Francisco. Joba Chamberlain makes his big start.http://wbaisports.com/audio/06-04-2008%20WuCa.MP3Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:27:33 GMTPedro MartineznoA look at what's to come as the New England Patriots attempt to become the only team in NFL history to go 19-0.A look at what's to come as the New England Patriots attempt to become the only team in NFL history to go 19-0.http://wbaisports.com/audio/01-27-2008%20WuC.mp3Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:49:20 GMTSuper Bowl XLII