Van Ness' Views

04/19/2026

New book....will feature excerpts soon

02/14/2026

Coming soon!

02/14/2026

Title of upcoming book:
Life, Sports and Social Consciousness.
Preview: More than just stories about sports.
Subjects such as Hank Aaron, Magic Johnson, and Larry Holmes from the pro ranks.
New Jersey amateur stars like Billy Garland, Mike Grosso, Joe Lis and more....stay tuned. ⚾️ 🏀 🏈

01/06/2026

An excerpt from the coming
book: Life, Sports and Social Conscious

Aside from Lis, the small community of Somerville also produced another player that made the Major Leagues.
There was pitcher Fred Wenz, known as "Fireballing" Fred who pitched for the Phillies organization as well.
Baseball talent was abundant in New Jersey as I would find out during my varsity playing days.
In a state playoff game, my Somerville team matched up against Union high school in a contest.
I was a sophomore, dressing varsity in 1966, as I watched the two star players for Union, shortstop Elliot Maddox and pitcher Al Santorini.
Both were prospects that went on to the Major League level.
Maddox would play for six different Major League teams, including the New York Yankees and the New York Mets.
Santorini would play for three different teams, the Atlanta Braves, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the San Diego Padres.

12/24/2025

Stay tuned and connected sports fans!

12/24/2025

Apologies for the layoff of correspondence and stories.
Had a brief layoff from this blog, Van Ness' Views.
A book project has sidetracked this blog temporarily.
But good news .....excepts from book will appear here shortly.

"Merry Christmas" sports fans!

04/14/2025

NY Giants talk with Malik Nabers

04/14/2025

Continuing my conversation with New York Giants star receiver Malik Nabers, in our recent correspondence he revealed the following information and thoughts on the team and the future.
" As we look ahead to next season, I'm excited to see how our team comes together."
" Regarding our QB needs, I think, it's an area we're focusing on, and we will see what the off season brings,"
he added.
As the Giants try to rebound from a dismal 2024 season, Nabers also talked about what's ahead.
" We've got some talented guys on the roster, and maybe we'll add some new faces through the draft and free agency."
When we spoke, the Giants had not yet added Qb's Jamis Winston and Russell Wilson, but that did take place to bolster the quarterback room.
" Whatever happens, I'm confident we'll have a solid QB leading us onto the field",
added the speedy receiver.
"As a receiver my job is to be ready for whoever is throwing the ball."
As the Giants continue to look at and add players, it's apparent that Nabers will be a key component to the team's success.
" I'm working hard this off season to improve my skills
and build chemistry with our QB's.
Although at this writing it wasn't apparent who those QB's would be, with what has happened so far, things look promising.
"We'll see what the future holds, but I'm hyped about the potential of our team,' said an excited Nabers.

12/27/2024

Eagles let Saquon eat!

12/27/2024

RIP Greg Gumbel

Greg Gumbel has passed away at the age of 78.

Forever a legendary March Madness voice.

12/27/2024

There is a lot happening this week in the NFL.
Playoff spots and positioning on the line.
There are also individual records to be had.
One such record is the all-time single season rushing record, of 2,105 yards held by Eric Dickerson.
The Eagles Saquon Barkley is 258 yards away from breaking that record.
To the Eagles, who are looking for playoff positioning, manage your game to do that but......let Saquon "eat" The record should be in his grasp on the final week of the season, against his ex-team the Giants.
How fitting that would be.

12/11/2024

Words to the wise Yankee and Mets fans concerning the recent Juan Soto signing.
First Yankee fans, all is not lost.
You still have a lineup that includes power hitters Aaron
Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
You also are addressing your pitching which is the key ingredient to winning a World Series, as the Dodgers proved to you.
For Mets fans, don't start printing World Series tickets just yet because you got Soto.
There are still many holes on your team, that start with the bullpen and your starters.
So to both teams " chill", have your holiday eggnog, and continue to wrap and unwrap your Christmas player packages.
The season of speculation and optimism is upon us ....
so to all " a goodnight ".