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Articles by Chuck Hamilton
Rumors, hoops and greed
It’s once again time to try to touch on several topics without going overboard on any of them. As regular readers know, that ain’t easy for yours truly, but let’s give it a shot anyway. Trade rumors abound as deadline approaches It is likely that we will see more than a few eye-opening deals in Major League Baseball this weekend. Rumors about star players have been intensifying in recent days with the MLB trade deadline set for Monday at 6 p.m. ET.
Money money money money
Cash, funds, currency, loot, moolah, bread, bucks, greenbacks, dough, currency, resources, scratch, capital, and so on and so on… Yep, you guessed it; they are all words referring to m-o-n-e-y. It is also referenced by many who proclaim that money is the answer to every mysterious question in life whenever one wants to know why something is the way it is.
Baseball: A family tradition
Editors Note: This column originally ran in the May 24, 2023 edition of The Ledger Independent. Major League Baseball is making a concerted effort in its attempt to appeal to younger fans. The game is not considered the national pastime, as it once was, with football taking over as the most popular sport in the country. MLB is trying to appeal to the younger generation, but it faces an uphill battle with numerous people under the age of 35 or so.
Not my lucky day
Begging your indulgence as I try to explain my current predicament before getting to a few thoughts on a busy college basketball weekend. I was on my way to the library to write a few semi-coherent words on this blustery morning, when I was stricken with some of the rotten luck associated with Friday the 13th. As you read further, you may be able to discern that my current mood is not exactly filled with joy.
March Madness in full bloom
The unmistakable sounds of basketballs bouncing, nets swishing and sneakers squeaking will be even more pronounced this week, with conference tournaments on display from coast to coast.
March is maddening in more ways than one
Yes, we have endured and survived the worst part of winter, and entered the most transitional third month of the year. It didn’t come in like a lion this year, more like a cold lamb instead. A month known for brisk winds, it has now evolved into a real soaker here in the “center of the universe” as well. March, named after the Roman god of war, Mars, is here at last. It also represents perhaps the most unpredictable weather month of all.
A look back and a look ahead
Oftentimes, after I finish and email my column, I think of something else I should’ve mentioned. The latest example occurred with my most recent diatribe published in the Wednesday edition. I failed to mention one of the greatest victories in recent history for the USA men’s hockey team in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, deserves special mention for his otherworldly play for the gold medal winners.
Some questions to ponder
In a departure from my usual drivel, I’m attempting something different today. That would be a series of questions, some serous, some silly, some related to sports, and some that you may find interesting. It is also true that there are so many questions in life that this is one column that go on forever and ever, but these are just a few rattling around in my noggin today Ready or not, here they are: What is the most important thing you’ve ever done? What are you most afraid of?
Spring getting ever so close
Ah, yes, spring is already in the air. Not to say that winter has departed for good, but temperatures are gradually rising, and the days are getting a bit longer each day as well. For yours truly, it cannot come soon enough. Spring not only brings us more comfortable and tolerable weather, but it also triggers the sounds of spring.
A potpourri of opinions
The headline above refers to opinions, which is what I share here each and every time I bang one of these things out on the keyboard. So, why use it in a headline? To be perfectly honest, it is because I couldn’t think of one central theme to call the following mishmash of topics running around in my head today. Cats need to embark on a new win streak For the Kentucky Wildcats to earn a respectable bid in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, they still have work to do.
Hearts and hoops on today’s agenda
Valentine’s Day is here, meaning that florists, greeting card companies, and chocolate manufacturers are celebrating February 14 even more than lovers in the U.S., who will spend a record $29.1 billion. The day actually began eons ago when the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a pagan festival honoring fertility and the beginning of spring. The day evolved in the 5th century when Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with a feast day to honor St. Valentine.
Millions dread Friday the 13th
I feel for you if you’re one of the sufferers of Paraskevidekatriaphobia. That would be having an abject fear of today’s date, which is considered unlucky for lots of folks. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute – sounds like a fun place to work – that an estimated 17-21 million people in the United States are so paralyzed by fear of Friday the 13th that they will avoid their normal routines, and may even stay in bed.
Augusta, St. Patrick battle to 58-58 tie after third power outage
Despite the calendar saying it was the middle of February, the weather outside was frightful. We were experiencing unusually warm temperatures along with strong winds and thunderstorms. The following game story describes what occurred that evening 17 years ago today. AUGUSTA — “Only in Augusta.” That was the first reaction from Robin Kelsch, the head coach of the Augusta High School basketball team, following Wednesday’s bizarre game against district foe St. Patrick.
A tie game, Super Bowl LX and the rallying Cats
While attending a recent high school basketball game matching Augusta and St. Patrick, I was reminded of a wild matchup between the longtime rivals 17 years ago today. That game in the Panthers Den on Feb. 11, 2009 resulted in an extremely rare occurrence due to the whims of Mother Nature, which you can read about elsewhere in the sports section. In today’s blurb you’ll also find wrap-ups of the Super Bowl, as well as Kentucky’s second come-from-behind victory over Tennessee this season.
Hoping the Super Bowl is really ‘super’
The second Sunday in February is set aside for the most hyped event in the world of sports, and kicks off tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Super Bowl LX — 60 for those of you challenged by Roman numerals – features a pair of 14-3 teams – the slightly favored Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots – in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX (49) played in Glendale, Arizona.
Reds, Cats and Hawks, oh my
Before getting to a few sports notes, sincere thanks go out to everyone who expressed their condolences on the recent loss of a dear lady who meant so much to so many. Angie and her family truly appreciate all of the kind words, cards, comments and more on the passing of Betty Purdon, a true Maysvillian through and through.
Still on my mind and in my heart
As I was planning today’s missive, I fully intended to get back to writing about a couple of sports-related items. However, I am requesting your patience once again, simply because my thoughts of someone special has constantly remained in my brain and firmly in my heart for the past several days. If you perused that particular column, you already know it was a tribute to a life well-lived by someone close to me.
A full life filled with love
Hoping everyone is staying as warm as possible, and that y’all will indulge my thoughts on this frigid Tuesday morning. This column has nothing to do with the current sports landscape, but this is to me at more important, and it’s all I can think about at the present time. I’m already missing a special lady that many others are missing as well. You can read her obituary elsewhere in this edition, but I also wanted to add my thoughts about the matriarch of a rather large family, Betty Purdon.
Back into the deep freeze
Here’s a novel idea, Mother Nature: Keep the arctic air in the Arctic region, or perhaps North Dakota. We’re being promised an overabundance of snow this weekend, followed by ridiculously frigid temperatures. That of course means we will have to endure a rather long melting process and put up with the ugliness left behind from the snowstorm. Oh well, we’ve dealt with it before, and we’ll just have to hope we can endure until Mother Nature decides to give us a well-deserved break.
Never say never | Ledger Independent - Maysville Online
When it comes to the wonderful world of sports, you just never know just what may happen next. This past weekend provided several examples, beginning on Friday evening at the Fieldhouse. Saints hold on for rivalry victory When longtime rivals Mason County and St. Patrick meet on the hardwood, predicting the outcome is more often than not is a forgone conclusion.
NIL, transfer portal not all bad
If you ask the vast majority of college basketball and football fans their opinion on the new era in collegiate sports, you’re certain to get more than an earful. Most fans and observers are up in arms about the new rules — are there really any rules? – when it comes to the money being dished out to so-called student athletes under the guise of name, image and likeness, and if you ask fans about the transfer portal, that’s certain to bring an emotional and negative response as well.
Mason County’s Lofton leads a new Tennessee
Editors’ note: this article originally ran in the Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006 edition of The Ledger Independent. LEXINGTON — The new-look Tennessee Volunteers perform very much like the Kentucky Wildcat teams of the early 1990s, pressing defensively, hustling for loose balls, running a fast-breaking offense, shooting (and making) an abundance of three-pointers, playing hard at all times and using every ounce of the talent they possess effectively.
Team Turmoil, Part II
Longtime Kentucky basketball fans remember vividly a team that was given the ignoble nickname “Team Turmoil” during the 2001-2002 season. That particular team was beset with numerous off-court and on-court issues but still managed to finish with a 22-10 record and reached the NCAA East Regional semifinal as a #4 seed.
Some parents should set a better example
Editors Note: This article originally ran in the Friday, June 3, 2005 edition of The Ledger Independent. Sometimes we score the big touchdown, hit the winning home run or nail the three-pointer at the buzzer to lift our team to victory. Other times we fumble, strike out or miss the potential game-winning shot. Sports, to me anyway, has always been fun to play, to watch and to cover for the most part. The unpredictable aspect and excitement generated by outstanding athletes never gets old to me.
A return to some semblance of normalcy
You may have noticed my absence over the last couple of weeks; then again, perhaps you didn’t. The reason this ol’ guy hasn’t graced the pages of the newspaper recently is one that many others are currently enduring as well. I went to the doctor just before Christmas and tested positive for the flu. If that weren’t insufferable enough, that illness quickly morphed into pneumonia. As a result, the holidays weren’t exactly a pleasurable experience.
Resilient Cats seeking second title
In a heart stopping five-set thriller, the top-seeded Kentucky volleyball team shook off their early jitters to topple Wisconsin 3-2 (12-25, 25-22, 21-25, 26-24, 15-13) to advance to Sunday afternoon’s national championship match versus Texas A&M. It looked bleak early for the Wildcats, who improved to 30-2 with the victory. The Badgers (28-5) stormed out of the gate to take a 15-6 lead and cruised to the 25-12 opening set win.
A few thoughts as the snow melts
As we begin to thaw a bit here in the lovely Ohio Valley – while awaiting the inevitable next blast from north of the border – it’s time to reflect and project on several sports happenings around the area. Pope’s Cats still have long way to go Thus far in the early season, it’s rather obvious that the Kentucky basketball remains a work in progress.
Niceness not always a formula for success
Following is something I have been pondering for a few days, and that is, can a successful coach also be a nice guy? There are some who believe that it is not a likely proposition, including the former manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers way back in the day. That would be the one and only Leo Durocher, whose infamous quote, “Nice guys finish last” also became the title of his autobiography.
Kentucky sports currently a mixed bag
Beginning this diatribe with nearly frozen fingers, so as they continue to thaw, I’m going to correct a misspelling from my most recent column. We mentioned Matt Ponatoski in the Wednesday missive, but his last name was not spelled correctly. Ponatoski is the highly touted quarterback from Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati who recently signed to continue his career at the University of Kentucky.
Kentucky makes necessary change
I am having a somewhat difficult time getting going today; after all, we are returning from a long holiday weekend, making me feel just a bit rusty. We also endured our first real “snowstorm” of the winter overnight, and if you don’t already know, in my opinion, the only thing worse than snow is brutally cold temperatures, and they’re eminent as well. Another reason (excuse?) is there is currently a veritable plethora of happenings in the sports world.
Dreading the impending gloom of winter
With the early deadline this week due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday – the Saturday column is being banged out on the keyboard on the day before the annual feast day — I decided to say a few words about Kentucky football and their rivalry clash at Louisville Saturday afternoon, and a Kentucky basketball faceoff with a tough foe coming up in a few days. Planning on taking a deeper look at the outstanding season put together by Kentucky’s most successful team on campus next week as well.
Giving thanks (and thoughts on the Cats and Bengals)
Thanksgiving Day is upon us once again, a time where we recognize that we have much to be thankful for, even though it may not seem that way at times. Gratitude, defined as the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for the good things in life, can be a fleeting emotion for lots of folks. Many of us never fully embrace the idea, which is truly a shame.
The honeymoon is over
Following Tuesday night’s 83-66 setback at the hands of hot-shooting Michigan State in Madison Square Garden, it is getting more and more evident that a large portion of Kentucky basketball fans have quickly become less than enamored with Mark Pope. The second-year head coach did a marvelous job last season after hurriedly putting together a roster of transfers and making it to the Sweet 16, but this year’s team is, for lack of a better word, a mess.
Remembering a local sports icon
He was what many refer to these days as “one of one.” Gary Kidwell, a man who wore numerous hats during his 82 years as a proud Lewis Countian, passed away on Saturday. After reading the extremely well-written piece from Lewis County Herald publisher Dennis K. Brown on Kidwell’s life published this past Wednesday in the Ledger Independent, there isn’t a lot I can add, but I just wanted to say he was truly a legend in this area.
Kidwell lives a life of sports
Editors note: This column originally ran in the September 23, 2005 edition of The Ledger Independent. Doing something for thirty years will make many people tired and ready for retirement. Not so for Gary Kidwell, who has hosted his “Saturday Morning Sports Show” on WKKS-FM in Vanceburg since 1975. “We have a lot of fun with the show; talking with people; we do trivia contests and the 30th anniversary show last Saturday was special,” Kidwell said.
Cats-Cards clash arriving too early
Already? Come Tuesday evening in the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville, the always highly-anticipated “Battle of the Bluegrass” will tip off at 8 p.m. on ESPN. You read that right. The Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals are playing their annual basketball game 18 days before the rivals meet on the gridiron, also in Louisville, on Sat., Nov. 29.
Mere inches decide memorable World Series
Begrudgingly, I have to compliment the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yes, it’s true, LA has an astronomical payroll, but this team also does the little things that push them over the top. In the past two seasons, they have simply found a way to get the job done, and break the hearts of a multitude of baseball fans who were hoping for the opposite result.
So many topics, so little time
As we flip the calendar to November, this is arguably the busiest time of the year in the sports world. That means that today’s column presents a real challenge for yours truly, which may evolve into a futile attempt to delve into numerous sports happenings without typing so many words that it won’t fit in the newspaper.
Discussing disappointing defeats
My intention in the midweek missive is not to come off as a “Debbie Downer.” However, it’s difficult not to be disappointed about some recent results for several teams I follow closely, and admittedly would enjoy seeing succeed. As it was so aptly said by Slim Pickens in the satirical Western comedy Blazing Saddles in 1974: “What in the wide, wide world o’ sports is a goin’ on here”?
What a world we’re living in today
Scandal. Corruption. Greed. Stupidity. No, we’re not talking politics. As it so often occurs, the sports world is once again merely reflecting the real world. I hadn’t planned on discussing breaking news today, but it is impossible to ignore the story that broke Thursday afternoon while I was planning today’s missive.
Upstart Jays try to beat the odds
The 2025 World Series open north of the border this evening, and very few pundits are giving the Toronto Blue Jays any hope of upending the heavily favored and defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers. At the risk of looking foolish, this observer is picking the Jays to win the series in seven games. Perhaps it’s merely a case of wishful thinking and picking with my heart instead of my brain, but I feel Toronto has more than a puncher’s chance of getting it done.
Germantown-born Bouldin was two-sport standout
Editors Note: This article originally ran in the July 3, 2012 edition of The Ledger Independent. He was born in Mason County, played in three consecutive Final Fours, starred for the 1961 NCAA national championship basketball team and pitched in the major leagues. Sounds like a pretty good trivia question for area sports fans, doesn’t it? The answer is Carl Bouldin, who was born in Germantown before his family moved to Norwood, Ohio when he was two years old.
Lofty expectations at UK (again)
We discussed the upcoming basketball season recently, noting how talking hoops in the Commonwealth of Kentucky is always “in-season.” This column reinforces that thought, following the arrival in the mail of the annual publication basketball junkies look forward to each year, “The Cats’ Pause 2025-26 Kentucky Basketball Yearbook.” The tradition began in 1976 when Oscar Combs, now considered the Guru of UK sports, came up with the idea to publish a magazine solely devoted to University of...
October features potpourri of sports
The month of October represents an abundance of change all around us. Leaves are falling, the days getting shorter and shorter, and the air is turning drastically cooler as the nighttime hours increase. The month is also a time of transition in the world of sports: major league baseball is winding down, football has entered the midseason and pro and collegiate basketball are about to begin. The National Hockey League season has already begun, and the MLS is nearing the playoffs.
Doom and gloom for Cats, Bengals
Have you ever noticed just how much a damp, gray, dreary day can negatively affect your mood? This particularly murky Tuesday morning is doing absolutely nothing to perk this guy up in any way, shape, or form. Maybe it’s because we’ve been spoiled by an extended sunny stretch with warm temperatures and low humidity, but today just feels, for the lack of a better word, yucky.
Hot takes, cold takes, pancakes
For those of you who may be wondering about today’s headline, it’s just something silly I’ve been wanting to use for a while. With that said, we’re going to open with the end of the line for the Cincinnati Reds. As you already know, my hometown team was bludgeoned by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a National League Wild Card series by 10-5 and 8-4 outcomes.
Reds aim to shock the world
The Cincinnati Reds have already accomplished more than what the vast majority of baseball pundits and observers ever thought possible: They have reached the postseason with a team that represents a city that is also often overlooked. It’s easy to see why. The Reds aren’t exactly a team made up of highly paid superstars, and when you look at their roaster objectively, it simply isn’t all that impressive compared to other playoff participants.
A peek ahead at hoops season
It’s common knowledge around here that it’s never too early to talk about basketball in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We’ll delve into high school hoops in the near future, but today’s column opener pertains to college basketball and the myriad of preseason prognostications from various sources. Part of my reasoning for taking a peek at the upcoming season has to do with picking up the 2025-2026 preview magazine from Lindy’s Sports the other day.
‘Francona Effect’ has Reds in hunt
Merriam-Webster defines the word “miracle” in a couple of ways, the first referring to the biblical usage, which is an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. The second definition is more applicable to today’s subject: An extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing or accomplishment. Perhaps it isn’t quite miraculous, but what the Cincinnati Reds have already accomplished in recent weeks is pretty darn close.
Talking about the Reds, Bengals and a shot clock
It’s true that time is quickly running out on the unlikely chance we will see the Cincinnati Reds playing in the postseason. Admittedly, I have written about this too often as it pertains to the Redlegs, but as the final week approaches, it isn’t impossible that the Reds will be facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-three-of-five NL Wild Card Series in early October.
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