The Week Ahead
FRIDAY 9/23
Viva Baseball
From Roberto Clemente (left) to Alex Rodriguez, documentarian Dan Klores (Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story) celebrates the rich history of Latinos in the major leagues, detailing how they've overcome poverty, the language barrier and racial discrimination to dominate America's national pastime. One poignantly funny moment is when former All-Star first baseman Vic Power recounts his response to being told a restaurant in the Jim Crow South didn't serve Negroes: "I don't eat Negroes. Give me some rice and beans." Spike TV 9 p.m.
SATURDAY 9/24
Notre Dame at Washington
After getting his first win as the Huskies' coach last Saturday, a 34-6 pasting of Idaho, Ty Willingham said he'd prepare for his next opponent as he would any other game. Riiiiight. The Huskies (1-2) will try to show Notre Dame it made a mistake by firing Willingham, who had a 21-15 record in South Bend, after last season. Even after an overtime loss to Michigan State in their home opener, the Fighting Irish have to be happy with the guy they chose to replace Willingham, Charlie Weis. They're 2-1 and averaging 33.3 points per game. ABC 3:30 p.m.
Wladimir Klitschko vs. Samuel Peter
There's no title on the line, but tonight in Atlantic City we'll find out which--if either--of these heavyweight contenders is for real. Klitschko, 29, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist and former WBO champion, is trying to get his career back on track after losing his last two WBO title fights. Peter, 25, known as the Nigerian Nightmare, is an up-and-comer with star potential: He's undefeated (24-0, 21 KOs) and a powerful, if unrefined, puncher. HBO 10 p.m.
Fifth Avenue Mile
The favorite this year, 2004 Olympian Alan Webb (left), will claim a $10,000 bonus if he breaks the record in this turnless Manhattan road race. The men's record has stood since 1981, the event's inaugural year, when Sydney Maree ran it in 3:47.52. In July, Webb, the U.S.'s top miler, ran a personal best of 3:48.92 at the Bislett Games Dream Mile in Oslo. ESPNEWS 1:45 p.m.
SUNDAY 9/25
Patriots at Steelers
Someone tell Ben Roethlisberger (left) that the NFL isn't usually this easy. Playing on a bruised knee, Big Ben threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 2 win over the Texans, bringing his career regular-season record as a starter to 15-0. This week he tries to avenge his only loss, suffered in last year's AFC Championship Game. The Steelers, who have won 16 straight regular-season games, are also chasing history. The record of 18 was set last year--by the Patriots. CBS 4 p.m.
MONDAY 9/26
SI PICK OF THE WEEK
War for the West
Vladimir Guerrero (right), the Angels' Señor Septiembre, is up to his old tricks. Last year the rightfielder clinched the AL MVP award with a sizzling September. This month he's used his talents (he has a team-leading five home runs and 14 RBIs, and he beat the White Sox in the 12th inning on Sept. 9 by scoring from second on a bunt) to make another run at the award and keep the Angels on top by two games in the AL West. This four-game series against second-place Oakland, which is led by third baseman Eric Chavez (left) (team-high 16 RBIs this month), could decide the division race.
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BRAD MANGIN (CHAVEZ)
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BOB ROSATO (ROETHLISBERGER)
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AP (CLEMENTE)