Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 18, 2009 at 10:11:29:
Shaq tries to stand tall 'VS' flock of superjocks
TELEVISION | Tests talent against experts
August 18, 2009
BY R.B. FALLSTROM
Shaquille O'Neal swears he was once a T-ball All-Star and a high school first baseman with the "world's biggest strike zone."
The 7-1, 325-pound NBA star is taking on other sports stars in the new ABC series "Shaq VS," a battle of athletic prowess airing at 8 p.m. Tuesdays on WLS-Channel 7.
At a news conference for the show last week in St. Louis, he was joined by Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols to discuss their upcoming home run derby.
Pujols may lead the majors in home runs, but Shaq is clearly king of the one-liners.
Baseball nickname? "When I was little, I was known as Shaqqie Robinson." When he pitched: "I was the big black unit."
O'Neal promised there would be no head games with Pujols, noting, "Usually I try to get into the mind of my opponent, but I don't think it's wise to talk smack to a man who always has a bat in his hands."
Pujols offered a few pointers, noting that O'Neal didn't have to overpower the ball to hit a home run. O'Neal responded: "I don't want your tips, Albert. I'm going to beat you fair and square."
Pujols was a point guard on the basketball team in high school and said he used to be able to dunk. No more, not since he's bulked up to 245 pounds.
"I think if I tried I'd probably blow out my hamstrings," Pujols said. "That's why I chose baseball" for the challenge.
Pat Tomasulo of WGN-Channel 9 co-hosts "Shaq VS" with Ultimate Fighting Championship's Mike Goldberg.
Tonight's first episode tests O'Neal's football-throwing prowess against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Pujols episode will air Sept. 1.
AP