Second thoughts

In the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, Jeff Bridges (above) and John Goodman referenced Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax.
In the 1998 film The Big Lebowski, Jeff Bridges (above) and John Goodman referenced Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax.

— Dude can’t get Koufax to care, dude

There have been several athletes who have been referenced in music and motion pictures, including Joe DiMaggio in Simon and Garfunkel’s 1968 hit“Mrs. Robinson.”

When Yahoo!

Sports writer David Brown visited the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training camp recently, he had an opportunity to talk to Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax.

Brown didn’t ask Koufax about the Dodgers’ off season in which they signed pitcher Zack Greinke for $159 million or about his career.

Instead, Brown wanted to ask Koufax, 77, for his thoughts on being referenced in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski.

The Koufax-Lebowski connection came about when the pitcher’s name was used in a conversation between Walter Sobchak (played by John Goodman) and The Dude (Jeff Bridges). In the conversation, Sobchak wanted to emphasize to The Dude why being Jewish was important to him.

The dialogue:

The Dude: “You’re living in the f+++ing past.”

Sobchak: “Three thousand years of beautiful traditions, from Moses to Sandy Koufax. You’re g++++++ right I’m living in the past.”

Brown got his chance to talk to Koufax about The Big Lebowski when Koufax was finished working with left-hander Jarret Martin:

“Have you ever seen The Big Lebowski?” Brown asked. “The movie The Big Lebowski, the Coen Brothers movie.”

Koufax: “Yeah, sure.”

Brown: “Then obviously you know you’re referenced in the movie.”

Koufax: “Yeah, I’m in five or six movies. I’m in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, I’m in ... so?”

Brown: “Well, I just wondered if you were a fan of the movie, or if you got [appreciated] the reference, or if you thought it was your ‘Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?’ moment. Weren’t you tickled?”

Koufax: “I don’t care. I don’t.”

Guess Koufax doesn’t abide.

Dancing Raven

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones is the newest contestant to join TV’s Dancing With the Stars.

Jones was the first contestant announced Sunday night for the show’s new season. The announcement came during a commercial that aired during ABC’s telecast of the Academy Awards. The other new contestants will be announced today on Good Morning America.

The show premieres March 18.

Three other NFL players have won the competition: Emmitt Smith, Hines Ward and Donald Driver.

Jones was one of the Ravens’ stars in their Super Bowl victory, scoring two touchdowns.

Oscar closer

Milwaukee Brewers reliever John Axford’s newest claim to fame?

Academy Awards expert.

Axford tweeted Monday that he predicted 14 of the 15 major Oscar awards. His only incorrect prediction was Best Director.

Axford predicted Steven Spielberg to win for Lincoln, but Ang Lee won instead for Life of Pi.

“For one day at least, the pitcher can say he’s smarter than Nate Silver [who got 13 correct out of 15],” Yahoo! Sports writer Mike Oz said.

Quote of the day

“I just hate wearing socks. I’d much rather be comfortable and relaxed.” Arkansas football Coach Bret Bielema

Sports, Pages 18 on 02/26/2013

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