North: Triple Crown victory impressive

We waited 37 long years and it finally happened. American Pharoah became the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown, the last being Affirmed in 1978.

It really doesn't matter if it helps racing or not because it's an awesome and impressive feat to accomplish.

Yes, the field could have been stronger, but he raced against more opponents in the three races than any other horse that has won the Triple Crown.

California Chrome owner Steve Coburn said last year after losing the third leg at the Belmont there would never be another Triple Crown winner. He said other horses were fresh because they didn't race in the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness, and it wasn't fair.

I guess his claim rings pretty hollow now.

I heard American Pharoah's trainer, Bob Baffert, talk about the horse like he was a human, saying he was gentle and sensitive and a dream to train. As a 2-year-old, he was Horse of the Year, and coming back as a 3-year-old to win the Triple Crown makes him pretty special in my book.

Baffert also said he didn't get any negative reaction on Saturday or when he was training the horse. People were genuinely happy for the victory and congratulations are in order for all involved.

American Pharoah will ride again, and we will be happy to watch this superstar.

White Sox not contenders:

Kenny Williams, the executive vice-president of the White Sox, said last week his team was a contender.

I would like to think so because I don't see any quit in the ballclub, but that doesn't mean they are contenders.

Of course Williams is going to say that, but with Minnesota in first place in the American League Central and Detroit struggling as of late, the Sox are still a last-place club.

With last year's AL World Series team the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians playing .700 baseball the last two weeks, this division may be the best in baseball.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though. The White Sox have to get to .500 before anyone can call them contenders. I don't blame Williams for making the comment, but a lot has to get better before it becomes a reality.

Tiger is done:

It's time for the media to get off the Tiger Woods train once and for all. Tiger is done, and has been for a while.

Maybe he just isn't hungry enough or his mind set isn't there anymore, but please stop questioning his swing coach, his caddie and anyone else connected with him.

He is the one swinging his clubs. It's him and only him. He shot an 85 on Saturday at the Memorial Tournament for his worst round of pro golf ever. He's done!

Program notes:

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• North's column appears each Tuesday and Friday in the Daily Herald, and his video commentary can be found Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at dailyherald.com. For more, visit northtonorth.com.