I know that some of you guys and girls thought you were going to be lucky this week and not see my column on the sports page. But alas, I shall always find a way. Also, for those of you who thought I did not have an appropriate picture for my column, well, do I now? I think so.

I was at a loss for something to write this week until I watched the Yankees-Orioles game Wednesday night. Actually, I watched the game Thursday morning, for those of you who demand the truth, because my GSB meeting carried on much longer than normal.

And what did I see? Twelve-year-old Jeff Maier reaching over the wall, and scooping the ball away from Baltimore’s Tony Tarasco’s glove. It was counted as a home run, even though it would not have made it into the stands, if not for the help from the pre-teen.

It was in the eight inning, and the hit by Derek Jeter that Maier took into the stands tied the score 4-4.

Umpire Rich Garcia called it a home run, but admitted later after looking at a replay that he should have ruled it a double.

Oriole’s manager Davey Johnson wanted increased security for this game citing a foul ball incident against the Texas Rangers.

But was Garcia’s call just a simple mistake, or a well-planned revenge on behalf of all umpires due to Roberto Alomar’s saliva retention problem?

Ever since the punishment was handed down to Alomar, the umpires have appeared a little on edge, first with the attempted strike, an then some questionable calls on Alomar, and then this. Payback.

I think the umps will stop at nothing less than seeing the Yankees go to the series, which doesn’t bother me, because I am a big St. Louis Cardinal’s fan who sees the Yanks as an easy opponent, should the Cards beat the Braves. (Knock on wood).

Well, enough on my baseball observations, there is something more pressing to talk about, which is this Saturday’s football game. The Cyclones, with their first winning streak since 1989 (2 games), go against Texas A&M. Texas has a 2-3 record overall with 0-1 in the Big 12, losing to Colorado.

Now, I will never put down my home team, so I will not say that the Cyclones will lose to Texas, but I said the same thing about Wyoming and Iowa State, and you know what happened there. So I will hope for the best — that Troy Davis will have another game over 300 yards, and that Todd Doxzon will throw a few straight passes.

Remember, kiddies, the game starts earlier this weekend, due to the national TV coverage. Kickoff is at 11:30 a.m., paint your faces, bring your yard-o-meter sign guys, and get started with the tailgating early. Dave and Brian — catch you at the country club Saturday morning bright and early.

Rory Flaherty is a junior in construction engineering from LeMars.