Sterling's First-Half Highlights Continued: "Tough to Win that Way"

Our trip through the 2009 first-half continues, as we move toward Tuesday's vote for JOHN STERLING MOMENT OF THE FIRST HALF.

Next up on the nominee list is John's think-based analysis, "Tough to Win that Way," which mathematically measures the chances of success when certain demands are not achieved.

Critics hailed the production for its brevity and forethought, noting that of all the Sterlingtoninan moments, this may be the rawest assessment of what it takes to win in the game of baseball.

Enjoy "Tough to Win that Way."

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "Three Boo-Boos"

Vote starts tomorrow.

This nominee shows the madcap, street-rhyming sensibilities of John and Suzyn, playing perfectly their roles as the most married couple in America.

"Three Boo-Boos"

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "Booth of Terror"

Remember: The vote begins Tuesday.

This film, a leading contender for BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS IN SOUND QUALITY, reveals the dangerous place that is the modern day Lowe's Broadcast Booth.

Witness... "Booth of Terror"

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "The Night the Music Died"

Our nominees continue... Remember the vote begins Tuesday...

This selection remains one of the most troubling films ever produced in the Sterling Collection. But like cult films such as "Freaks" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre III," it cries out to be seen.

It is the night following a blowout victory over Minnesota that John gave no WinWarble at all. (Note: Children should not be allowed to see this video.)

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "The Hamptons"

Our quest continues to find the BEST STERLING MOMENT OF THE FIRST-HALF, a matter that will be resolved in a vote, beginning Tuesday.

In his edgy comedy, "The Hamptons," Sterling and co-star Suzyn Waldman (Think Elaine May) touch upon wealth and poverty in America -- for laughs.

For your consideration...

Sterling's First-Half Highlights Continued: "Pain"

For your consideration -- remember to vote Tuesday for the BEST STERLING MOMENT OF THE FIRST-HALF -- "The Pain."

In this brief film, an announcer learns that to call a game... means paying a price.

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "An A-Bomb... from Hideki Matsui"

As we move toward Tuesday's vote for STERLING MOMENT OF THE FIRST HALF, this nominee needs no introduction.

It has already become one of the beloved calls in the history of the Yankees, and it will surely be someday played on a loop in Cooperstown, or at least in nearby Oneonta.

Enjoy... "An A-Bomb... from Hideki Matsui!"

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "They Always Have the Lead"

In our continuing review of the 2009 Sterling Baseball Season -- anticipating this week's vote for 'BEST MOMENT OF THE FIRST HALF' -- consider this vivid depiction of one man's personal pain, as he confronts the real world demons that are fated to destroy him.

This Harold Pinterianesque portait, drawn from the brutal intensity of a Boston sweep, delves deeply below the surface of a broadcaster's primal need to speak an unspeakable truth, regardless of the consequences.

Witness, "They Always Have the Lead."

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "Seven Nineteen"

Our trip through the Greatest Sterling Moments of the First Half continues. (Remember: We'll vote for the Best Moment over the All-Star Break.)

This nominee came relatively early, during the pie-in-the-face jubiliation of a Melky Cabrera walk-off hit. It stands as John's longest WinWarble of the season: 7.19 seconds.

It's not the longest Warble in history: Last year, over Boston, he peeled off a 7.88-second Warble.

But it stands as a remarkable achievement within the Sterlingtonian universe.

Sterling First-Half Highlights Continued: "Oh Wow!"

Our journey through 2009 continues...

Joining our nominees for BEST STERLING MOMENT OF THE FIRST HALF is... "Oh Wow!"

In a breathtaking flashback to the 1960s, with a plot twist reminiscent of "The Gods Must Be Crazy," a disillusioned broadcaster, afraid to confront his demons, finds an endearing -- and unexpected -- gift has fallen from the sky.

John's First Half Highlights begin: "The Debacle"

It's been a wild 2009 season for John Sterling. Over the next few days, let's review some of the highlights and then, over the all-star break, vote for the BEST STERLING MOMENT OF THE FIRST-HALF.

This candidate, titled "24-to-2" was released in limited theaters early in the Oscar season. Though it did poorly at the box office, its crisp imagery and powerful ending makes it unforgetable. Ladies and gentlemen... "24 to 2."