Biglin: More Tiger, The Better

Sports Fans Should Rejoice In Woods' Greatness

Mike Biglin, Sports Editor
April 7, 2001, 3:21 a.m. EDT

Always loved the color red when I was growing up, and I don't really recall why. I just did.

Today, I still love red, and there's one day in particular when I crave it most.

That would be any Sunday when Tiger Woods dons those blood red shirts of his, stalking the tract for another kill.

While a growing number of sports fans have already grown tired of Tiger prowling for another victory, I simply cannot get enough of it. This here is a sports fan who has always loved watching the best competing at the highest level.

When everyone was praying for little whiner boy John Stockton to win a title, I was rooting hard for Michael to stab another dagger home and thrust those six fingers in the air.

When everyone was rooting for Oakland to take out the Yankees early, I was pulling for Jeter and the Bombers to pull it out again.

And now Tiger has entered that realm of superiority on the playing field.

Sorry, but I just don't buy into the American fixation of placing someone on a pedastal only to painfully knock him off it.

I'd rather see that guy say, "I'm better than you, and I'm staying here."

So, no one was happier than me to see Tiger rip off a 6-under 66 Friday to pull within two shots of the lead after two rounds of the Masters. Saturday, he will tee off in the last group -- paired with surprise leader Chris DiMarco -- and that's exactly where he should be.

Because he teed off so early, and USA Network didn't start their coverage until 4 p.m. EST, all I had to curb my Woods' craving was highlights from his round.

Still, the signs were evident that the world's best player was on top of his game. The biggest giveaway is his iron play -- when he follows through high and just stares it down, you know it's going to land inside 10 feet.

Do you know how hard it is to do that? And do that consistently? And do that consistently when everyone in the world full expects you to do it?

His most telling statement was afterward in the Butler Cabin with USA Network's Bill Macatee, when he said he entered Augusta "calmer than I have before," in spite of the added pressure of chasing his fourth straight major.

How completely insane is that?

But that's how amazing Tiger is.

Listen, I've learned my lesson. When I was a kid growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, I joined in the cacaphony of Phillies fans booing Mike Schmidt whenever he screwed up.

I had to grow up to truly appreciate Schmidt, who is just the greatest third baseman to ever play the game (sorry, Brooks Robinson fans -- Schmidt was a much better player and his 10 Gold Gloves attest for his defense).

Today, I think Scott Rolen is one of the best third baggers in the National League -- and he's not anywhere close to Schmidt in terms of talent and ability.

So, I've learned my lesson, and now am thankful and fully realize when greatness comes along -- because you never know how long it'll last.

Fans have been lucky lately, getting a second helping of Jordan (thank God), and now another taste of the wonder that is Mario.

But those are rare occurrences, just as rare as a talent like Eldrick Woods.

So revel in it, appreciate it, and watch in awe as he tears up Augusta National this weekend one more time.

Just having him there, in that last group starting the weekend, makes the tournament that much more exciting, that much more compelling.

Who can stop him -- Duval? Mickelson? Els? Or even unheralded DiMarco?

Who knows, but that's what makes it so much fun, and so rewarding to watch.

Mike Biglin is a national sports editor out of Boston. He can be reached at mbiglin@thebostonchannel.com

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