By BRAD PYE JR.

Notes, quotes and things picked up on the run from coast-to-coast and all the stops in between and beyond 

Record-holder and speed skater Shani Davis, a heavy favorite to win his favorite race, the 1,500 meter, had to settle for the silver medal in the Vancouver Olympics. The Netherlands’ Mark Tuitert won in the time of 1:45.57.2. Davis’ 1:46.13.4 was good for second in his second straight Olympics.

Even though Davis was a flop in some shorter speed skating races, he didn’t leave Vancouver with empty pockets. He picked up the gold in the 1,000 race and the silver in the 1,500.

And the beat continues...

Many Major League Baseball spring training camps are currently underway and the rest will be operating before the end of the month.

Two historians — Chicago limousine dispatcher Scott Shimkus and book editor Gary Ashwill — are combining on a four-year project to put Negro League statistics from 1900 to 1948 on baseball-reference.com. The duo hopes to have eight seasons available by April 25.

They keep moving on to a better place. Jim Bibby, ex-Texas Rangers’ first no-hit pitcher, died Feb. 16 at the General Hospital in Lynchburg, Va. Bibby’s brother is UCLA All-American and NBA star Henry Bibby.

And the beat continues...

Kobe Bryant dons the cover of the March issue of “Q” magazine in a dark gray wool suit, white shirt, and gray tie, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Pau Gasol and USC student Allyson Felix have something in common: They’ve been named sportsman and sportswoman of the year, respectively, by the L.A. Sports Council. 

Only two members of a Sports Illustrated poll predict LeBron James will leave Cleveland, and these same pollsters overwhelmingly predict Dwyane Wade will remain with Miami this summer.

Ex-New York Knicks star Nate Robinson is a happy camper now that he has been traded to the Boston Celtics. Robinson and his Celtics teammate Paul Pierce (Inglewood High School) were the Slam Dunk and Three Point champions, respectively, at the recent All-Star Game.

And the beat continues…

Everyone has an opinion on Tiger Woods’ televised apology Feb. 19. Personally, I thought Woods covered all the bases like Maury Wills did for the Dodgers.

According to People Magazine, Woods’ wife is considering the ultimate question: “Keep him or dump him?”

And the beat ends.

Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .