Last week, some fans second-guessed Vikings QB Christian Ponder for getting married six days before a big game. A century ago, a legendary baseball manager voiced similar concerns:

Philadelphia, April 21, 1911 - Connie Mack has to his own satisfaction ascertained the real reason for the losing streak of the champion Athletics. It is a most unique excuse for losing baseball games.

"I have the best team in the world," said Mack, "but the trouble is that I have too many bridegrooms on it. My recently married men get on the field, their brides sit in the grand stand and the men are so anxious to please they just forget what they know of the game.

"And the worst of it all," continued Mack, "is that I am a bridegroom myself, so what on earth am I going to do about it?"