A little less than a year ago, I began this little sports blog. I did it because I love sports. I did it because I love writing. I did it because I loved the interaction with those who chose to read. I committed in my head to post as close to weekly as possible. But for the last 4 months, "The B League" has been dormant, and there is only one source of blame: the 2011 Minnesota Vikings.
The 2010 Vikings inspired my first blog, as I tried to figure out if I was morphing from a Bills fan to a Vikings fan. The 2011 Vikings made it abundantly clear that I would sooner morph into a Power Ranger. The 2011 Vikings wasted so much ink and cyberspace for things so distant from the football field, that it became comical. It was as though someone early on knew that they would stink, so they scripted each week to make sure they could still maintain fan interest. Brett Favre's personal life, Randy Moss comes, Randy Moss goes, Favre's injuries, Favre's streak, Favre's Wranglers. And then the roof collapsed. We couldn't look away. Lloyd Christmas sums up the 2011 Vikings season best,
All of this made it impossible for me to blog about them. Everyone had written it already. It had far too little to do with sports. The 2011 Vikings were unwatchable, but I couldn't stop watching them. And after each game, I had nothing to say.
And all of this is why I find myself strangely drawn to this year's Super Bowl matchup. As the clock wound down in the AFC Championship game, I rolled my eyes and thought, "Great, a whole week about hearing the word 'organization'".
"What a great job by the Packers' organization."
"You have to credit the whole Steelers' organization."
I rolled my eyes because I usually find this kind of talk nauseating. It usually seems like an attempt to mystify sports; as though championships had less to do with players' performance than a team's mystique; as though Vince Lombardi has anything to do with the 2011 Packers, or Chuck Noll has anything to do with the 2011 Steelers. But I can't roll my eyes anymore, because in the 2011 Vikings I witnessed the opposite of an organization. What a great job by the Vikings' disorganization. You have to credit the whole Vikings' disorganization. They could use a little mystique right now.
I have every reason to despise next week's Super Bowl matchup. Both teams fit many prerequisites of teams I would normally root against.
1. A history of championships. When my team is eliminated from contention, I usually find myself rooting for a team to break out of their championship drought, like last year's Saints. The Packers and Steelers have both won multiple Super Bowls.
2. A rivalry with a team I like. I am a Bills fan, but I have spent the past 10.5 years in Minneapolis and Chicago. Though I can't decided who I prefer between the Vikings and Bears, I have been well-conditioned to dislike the Packers.
3. Unlikable players. It is really hard to root for Ben Roethlisberger. Enough said.
But this is where the organization becomes these teams saving grace. Let's look at that list again.
1. A history of championships. It's hard to begrudge a team for winning consistently. When I think about it, I prefer champions with some history, longevity and continuity. I like to see new teams win now and then, but then I want to see them prove they are not a flash in the pan. The Packers and Steelers are consistently contenders, not just year after year, but generation after generation.
2. A rivalry with a team a like. Sometimes you need reminders of what a real football team looks like. A team with a quarterback who's earns his spot through his play not his name. A team that doesn't use injuries as excuses. A team that plays outdoors despite being further north than Minnesota. The Packers, frankly, are everything the Vikings should hope to be.
3. Unlikable players. They're on every team, but some organizations, like the Steelers, rise above it. They apologize, they are swift with punishment, and the team manages to remain the headline. Others deny and deflect, and enable a formerly likable player to continue to pretend that he is still likable.
A few other reasons why I am strangely drawn to next week's game.
1. Both teams pass the name test. http://bleaguehak.blogspot.com/2010/07/whats-in-name.html
2. Both teams pass the uniform test. This is a blog that is still to come, but both teams have awesome uniforms.
3. Unbelievable fan bases. Maybe irritatingly so, but give credit where credit is due.
4. Evenly matched game. The teams are not flawless, but they both have great coaching, great defenses and great quarterbacks.
5. Either my dear nephew (Packers) or one of my dear friends (Steelers) will be delighted with the outcome.
Who will I be cheering for?
The Packers. Simply for the fact that it's been longer since they've won the game. I don't feel that strongly about it.
Who do I think will win?
The Steelers. Because I believe they are not only the greatest organization in football, but also in sports. And in spite of my nausea and rolling eyes, I'm starting to think that it really matters.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, September 27, 2010
On The Island of Misfit Toys
I am, for the most part, an optimist. In fact, in high school, I won the superlative of "Most Optimistic." Somehow this accomplishment was not published in the yearbook, but I managed to stay upbeat about it.
I bring this up because I received my season tickets for the Minnesota Timberwolves this week. The Timberwolves could possibly be the worst team in the league this year. Since their inception in 1989 they have won two playoff series, and have suffered from bad luck, bad drafting, and mismanagement. The closest they have come to a title is giving the Celtics Kevin Garnett to win theirs in 2008. At the beginning of last season, the franchise took a turn with new GM David Kahn. He quickly became the laughingstock of the league by drafting two point guards with consecutive picks in last years draft, which may have caused the more talented of the two to stay in Spain for an additional two years. This summer has not been much better, with a bevy of questionable moves that leaves their roster resembling the Island of Misfit toys from the classic Christmas film, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".
And that, I am afraid, is the most optimistic thing I can say about the Timberwolves this season: they are like the Island of Misfit toys. Their players are mostly guys who no one else really wanted, and the talent that they do have seems to be concentrated at the forward positions meaning that their five most talented players will not be able to play on the floor at once. Let's meet the cast of characters:
Hermey the Elf, Kevin Love, PF
Hermey is immensely talented, but no one takes him seriously because he wants to be a dentist, not an elf.
Love is immensely talented, but in spite of his fantastic numbers, the Wolves have not seemed to take him seriously having started only 59 games in his first two seasons.
Charlie-in-the-Box, Johnny Flynn, PG
My favorite character in the movie. Perpetually compared to the more popular, "Jack-in-the-Box". "Nobody wants a Charlie-in-the-Box".
Perpetually compared to Ricky Rubio, the PG who might have been here already, had Flynn not been drafted, and Stephen Curry, the PG/SG, that seems to be a better player and a better fit when(if) Rubio gets here.
The Bumble, Darko Milicic, C
The abominable snowman spends most of the movie as an enemy of Rudolph and Hermey. At the end of the movie, his character is redeemed as he put the star on top of the Christmas tree.
Darko was the number 2 draft pick in 2003, selected after Lebron James, but before Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. Seven years later, he seemed to be on his way out of the league when Kahn was the only one to give him a chance at redemption.
A Dolly for Sue, Michael Beasley, PF
There actually seems to be nothing wrong with the doll, it's just that no one wants her.
There is nothing wrong with Beasley. At 21-years-old, this former number 2 pick, it seems far too early to write him off. But nobody seemed to want him, as it only took a second round pick to acquire him. He became the odd man out in Miami as Wade, Lebron, and Bosh joined forces. (I once argued that the Bulls should have taken Beasley ahead of Rose, I was wrong, but because of this argument I feel attached to him and really hope he succeeds in Minnesota).
Yukon Cornelius, Ricky Rubio, PG
While wandering in far away lands, Rudolph and Hermey find Yukon Cornelius searching for silver and gold. Though a bit selfish and greedy, he ends up helping them on their journey.
Rubio plays in a far away land, seemingly waiting for a better opportunity in the NBA. If the Wolves convince him to play for them, he could help them a lot.
King Moonracer, David Kahn, GM
The lion who rules the island and searches for unwanted toys.
Kahn rules the Wolves, and so far seems to search for unwanted players.
Sam the Snowman, Kurt Rambis, Coach
The coolest character in the movie, the non-misfit who narrates the action and keep things together with his songs.
The heir-apparent to the great Phil Jackson, he seems to emulate Phil's cool demeanor. It will be up to him to keep things together with his triangle offense.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Wesley Johnson, SF
All of the other reindeer underestimated Rudolph because of his red nose. He ended up saving Christmas by guiding Santa's sleigh.
Possibly underestimated for not being John Wall, Evan Turner, or Demarcus Cousins (the rookies most fans would have preferred). If the Wolves are even moderately successful this year it will probably be because Johnson is more than we expect.
And last but not least...
Clarice the Doe, Mark Hakanson, season-ticket holder
Clarice believed in Rudolph from the very start. She saw the potential in Rudolph and loved him for it.
I choose to believe in the Timberwolves. That they resemble the Island of Misfit Toys may be the the most optimistic thing I can say about them, but watch the movie. That ragtag bunch of misfits saves Christmas, by reaching their potential that no one else can see. Now I'm not expecting a championship. I'm not even expecting the playoffs. But the Timberwolves will be better than you think. Their glass may look all the way empty, but I see it as at least half empty. Look at all those characters and all that they have to prove. What is more inspiring than watching a bunch of perceived misfits work hard at redemption? And though it may not happen this season, maybe Kahn's got a little Santa Claus in him, and this sleigh is at least headed in the right direction.
 |
| 86 Tickets to the Island of Misfit Toys. |
And that, I am afraid, is the most optimistic thing I can say about the Timberwolves this season: they are like the Island of Misfit toys. Their players are mostly guys who no one else really wanted, and the talent that they do have seems to be concentrated at the forward positions meaning that their five most talented players will not be able to play on the floor at once. Let's meet the cast of characters:
Hermey the Elf, Kevin Love, PF
Hermey is immensely talented, but no one takes him seriously because he wants to be a dentist, not an elf.
Love is immensely talented, but in spite of his fantastic numbers, the Wolves have not seemed to take him seriously having started only 59 games in his first two seasons.
Charlie-in-the-Box, Johnny Flynn, PG
My favorite character in the movie. Perpetually compared to the more popular, "Jack-in-the-Box". "Nobody wants a Charlie-in-the-Box".
Perpetually compared to Ricky Rubio, the PG who might have been here already, had Flynn not been drafted, and Stephen Curry, the PG/SG, that seems to be a better player and a better fit when(if) Rubio gets here.
The Bumble, Darko Milicic, C
The abominable snowman spends most of the movie as an enemy of Rudolph and Hermey. At the end of the movie, his character is redeemed as he put the star on top of the Christmas tree.
Darko was the number 2 draft pick in 2003, selected after Lebron James, but before Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwayne Wade. Seven years later, he seemed to be on his way out of the league when Kahn was the only one to give him a chance at redemption.
A Dolly for Sue, Michael Beasley, PF
There actually seems to be nothing wrong with the doll, it's just that no one wants her.
There is nothing wrong with Beasley. At 21-years-old, this former number 2 pick, it seems far too early to write him off. But nobody seemed to want him, as it only took a second round pick to acquire him. He became the odd man out in Miami as Wade, Lebron, and Bosh joined forces. (I once argued that the Bulls should have taken Beasley ahead of Rose, I was wrong, but because of this argument I feel attached to him and really hope he succeeds in Minnesota).
Yukon Cornelius, Ricky Rubio, PG
While wandering in far away lands, Rudolph and Hermey find Yukon Cornelius searching for silver and gold. Though a bit selfish and greedy, he ends up helping them on their journey.
Rubio plays in a far away land, seemingly waiting for a better opportunity in the NBA. If the Wolves convince him to play for them, he could help them a lot.
King Moonracer, David Kahn, GM
The lion who rules the island and searches for unwanted toys.
Kahn rules the Wolves, and so far seems to search for unwanted players.
Sam the Snowman, Kurt Rambis, Coach
The coolest character in the movie, the non-misfit who narrates the action and keep things together with his songs.
The heir-apparent to the great Phil Jackson, he seems to emulate Phil's cool demeanor. It will be up to him to keep things together with his triangle offense.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Wesley Johnson, SF
All of the other reindeer underestimated Rudolph because of his red nose. He ended up saving Christmas by guiding Santa's sleigh.
Possibly underestimated for not being John Wall, Evan Turner, or Demarcus Cousins (the rookies most fans would have preferred). If the Wolves are even moderately successful this year it will probably be because Johnson is more than we expect.
And last but not least...
Clarice the Doe, Mark Hakanson, season-ticket holder
Clarice believed in Rudolph from the very start. She saw the potential in Rudolph and loved him for it.
I choose to believe in the Timberwolves. That they resemble the Island of Misfit Toys may be the the most optimistic thing I can say about them, but watch the movie. That ragtag bunch of misfits saves Christmas, by reaching their potential that no one else can see. Now I'm not expecting a championship. I'm not even expecting the playoffs. But the Timberwolves will be better than you think. Their glass may look all the way empty, but I see it as at least half empty. Look at all those characters and all that they have to prove. What is more inspiring than watching a bunch of perceived misfits work hard at redemption? And though it may not happen this season, maybe Kahn's got a little Santa Claus in him, and this sleigh is at least headed in the right direction.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Is this the real life...?
On Monday night I prepared some clams with a white wine saffron sauce served with a side of bread and fresh ricotta. I had dinner with my wife. I then packed up my laptop and a few pieces of paper fill with notes and color-coded highlights, headed to the coffee shop and proceeded to draft my fantasy football team for 2010 for the next three hours.
I give you a picture of the entire evening just to prove that I am (or try to be) something of a well-rounded person. Why do I feel the need to do this? I'm not sure. I think it has to do with the fact that if one of your favorite hobbies happens to have the word "fantasy" in it, people automatically assume you don't have a real life. Despite its move to the mainstream, participation in fantasy football still maintains a hint of "nerd."
Person 1: What are you doing tonight?
Person 2: Spending three hours selecting professional athletes to play for my fake team.
Person 1: Oh...........cool..............I guess.
I played fantasy sports before it was cool (I'm still not sure if it's cool). When I was eight, my big brother's best friend Adam brought a printed list of baseball players to our house (the printer paper that was connected and had the edges with all the holes). We got out Monopoly money and bid for players. I seem to remember Juan Gonzalez being the big prize. Without the internet, Adam was in charge of keeping score each day (I think this lasted about two days). But whether I want to admit it or not, fantasy sports have been a major part of my life. For the past nine years, I have played fantasy football. For the past five (at least), I have not only played, but have been commissioner of my league. Suffice it to say that I have spent a lot of time thinking about my fake team and other people fake teams.
Question: Is it worth it?
Answer: Absolutely.
And here's why:
1. Companionship: My current league consists of myself, my twin brother, two of my brother-in-laws, one guy I've known since Jr. High, one guy I've known since high school, and five guys I've known since college. Five of those guys were groomsmen in my wedding. Fantasy football is, above all else, a way to stay in touch with these friends and family. A call to remind someone about the draft is also a chance to say "How's it going?" An online league message board becomes a place where people from Chicago, Minneapolis, Central California, DC, and Seattle can communicate with each other on a week-to-week basis.
2. Competition: I believe competition is over emphasized in our society. I believe in cooperation more than I believe in competition. But we need competition in our lives. We never grow out of this. (see: Bingo, Scrabble, Wheel of Fortune, and shuffleboard). I still love playing basketball, but I've mellowed some. I don't even hustle back on defense anymore (ok, I never hustled back on defense). Fantasy football brings out the fire in me.
3. The Draft: Fantasy football is really all about the draft. Doing well during the year is the icing on the cake. Drafting remotely has been tough on me the past couple of years, because it's really just an excuse to have a party. The draft is about eating good (bad) food. Buffalo Wings, Dan's famous chili, Chicago dogs, etc. It's about making people feel intimidated by the amount of research you did (the more paper you show up with, the better). But even online drafts are fun. They become an endless stream of inside jokes.
4. The Season: Now I don't need a reason to watch more football during the year. And the older I get, the less football I watch. My schedule usually makes me have to watch when I have time and not make time to watch specific games. Since I have less choice over which games I will watch, I am all for something that makes any game more enjoyable. I may have a rooting interest in an Oakland-Jacksonville game that I would not otherwise. It adds to the entertainment value of each game. It's like watching your kid star in a musical that you're not crazy about. You may not love "Westside Story", but if your kid was in it, watching it would be a delight. I may not love the Texans, but my best player is Andre Johnson, so watching them will be a delight this year.
5. Continuity: One of the things I like best is the way each year builds on the last. One guy becomes the guy you really want to beat because he seems to do so well. One guy becomes the guy who traded Peyton Manning for Julius Jones. One guy becomes the running back baron. One guy becomes the guy who always owns Hines Ward. Our league tends to add a rule or two each year to make the experience better and better. I would not be shocked if we sat down in the common room of our retirement home in 40 years for our 50th draft. And though he is likely to retire in the next couple of years, someone will make the joke, "Dan's pick, I bet he picks Hines Ward." I may not be building forts with my friends anymore, but I am building a fantasy league, and we are building memories in spite of our distance.
6. The Fantasy: Ok, fine, I admit it, I wish I could run an NFL team. I think I could do it better than the GMs. Putting together a team of professional athletes each week makes me feel like a part of the action. My achievements in football might have peaked in fifth grade when I was the go-to choice for quarterback at recess (I could throw the heck out of the pink and black turbo footballs), but I can remain connected to the game for the rest of my life.
If number five makes me a nerd, then I am a nerd. But at least I'm a nerd who can cook clams with a white wine saffron sauce.
P.S.
If you haven't drafted yet, here's a guy a like at each position that I think will outperform there draft spot:
QB: Kevin Kolb
RB: Matt Forte
WR: Pierre Garcon
TE: Jason Witten
Good luck
I give you a picture of the entire evening just to prove that I am (or try to be) something of a well-rounded person. Why do I feel the need to do this? I'm not sure. I think it has to do with the fact that if one of your favorite hobbies happens to have the word "fantasy" in it, people automatically assume you don't have a real life. Despite its move to the mainstream, participation in fantasy football still maintains a hint of "nerd."
Person 1: What are you doing tonight?
Person 2: Spending three hours selecting professional athletes to play for my fake team.
Person 1: Oh...........cool..............I guess.
I played fantasy sports before it was cool (I'm still not sure if it's cool). When I was eight, my big brother's best friend Adam brought a printed list of baseball players to our house (the printer paper that was connected and had the edges with all the holes). We got out Monopoly money and bid for players. I seem to remember Juan Gonzalez being the big prize. Without the internet, Adam was in charge of keeping score each day (I think this lasted about two days). But whether I want to admit it or not, fantasy sports have been a major part of my life. For the past nine years, I have played fantasy football. For the past five (at least), I have not only played, but have been commissioner of my league. Suffice it to say that I have spent a lot of time thinking about my fake team and other people fake teams.
Question: Is it worth it?
Answer: Absolutely.
And here's why:
1. Companionship: My current league consists of myself, my twin brother, two of my brother-in-laws, one guy I've known since Jr. High, one guy I've known since high school, and five guys I've known since college. Five of those guys were groomsmen in my wedding. Fantasy football is, above all else, a way to stay in touch with these friends and family. A call to remind someone about the draft is also a chance to say "How's it going?" An online league message board becomes a place where people from Chicago, Minneapolis, Central California, DC, and Seattle can communicate with each other on a week-to-week basis.
2. Competition: I believe competition is over emphasized in our society. I believe in cooperation more than I believe in competition. But we need competition in our lives. We never grow out of this. (see: Bingo, Scrabble, Wheel of Fortune, and shuffleboard). I still love playing basketball, but I've mellowed some. I don't even hustle back on defense anymore (ok, I never hustled back on defense). Fantasy football brings out the fire in me.
3. The Draft: Fantasy football is really all about the draft. Doing well during the year is the icing on the cake. Drafting remotely has been tough on me the past couple of years, because it's really just an excuse to have a party. The draft is about eating good (bad) food. Buffalo Wings, Dan's famous chili, Chicago dogs, etc. It's about making people feel intimidated by the amount of research you did (the more paper you show up with, the better). But even online drafts are fun. They become an endless stream of inside jokes.
4. The Season: Now I don't need a reason to watch more football during the year. And the older I get, the less football I watch. My schedule usually makes me have to watch when I have time and not make time to watch specific games. Since I have less choice over which games I will watch, I am all for something that makes any game more enjoyable. I may have a rooting interest in an Oakland-Jacksonville game that I would not otherwise. It adds to the entertainment value of each game. It's like watching your kid star in a musical that you're not crazy about. You may not love "Westside Story", but if your kid was in it, watching it would be a delight. I may not love the Texans, but my best player is Andre Johnson, so watching them will be a delight this year.
5. Continuity: One of the things I like best is the way each year builds on the last. One guy becomes the guy you really want to beat because he seems to do so well. One guy becomes the guy who traded Peyton Manning for Julius Jones. One guy becomes the running back baron. One guy becomes the guy who always owns Hines Ward. Our league tends to add a rule or two each year to make the experience better and better. I would not be shocked if we sat down in the common room of our retirement home in 40 years for our 50th draft. And though he is likely to retire in the next couple of years, someone will make the joke, "Dan's pick, I bet he picks Hines Ward." I may not be building forts with my friends anymore, but I am building a fantasy league, and we are building memories in spite of our distance.
6. The Fantasy: Ok, fine, I admit it, I wish I could run an NFL team. I think I could do it better than the GMs. Putting together a team of professional athletes each week makes me feel like a part of the action. My achievements in football might have peaked in fifth grade when I was the go-to choice for quarterback at recess (I could throw the heck out of the pink and black turbo footballs), but I can remain connected to the game for the rest of my life.
If number five makes me a nerd, then I am a nerd. But at least I'm a nerd who can cook clams with a white wine saffron sauce.
P.S.
If you haven't drafted yet, here's a guy a like at each position that I think will outperform there draft spot:
QB: Kevin Kolb
RB: Matt Forte
WR: Pierre Garcon
TE: Jason Witten
Good luck
Saturday, July 31, 2010
No Easy Lay-Ups
I hope he doesn't mind me saying this, but I am a better basketball player than my older brother. He would beat me in a cross country race, trivial pursuit, scaling a climbing wall, and many other things, but his "beating me in basketball" ship sailed around the time I was twelve and he was fourteen.
That said, this was not an easy passing of the torch. As I became more skilled, he came tougher and more physical. He was not willing to simply declare me the better basketball player, I had to earn it, and it would come with some bumps and bruises. In fact, as recently as college, he got kicked out of an intramural basketball game for pushing me into the bleachers from behind as I went in for an easy lay-up. A big brother's job is to make sure there are no easy lay-ups. His toughness, ultimately, is what made me the better player. Had he had an older brother, there is a good chance he would be the better player today.
Why do I retell this story? Because this is what gives me hope that Lebron James' decision might actually be great for basketball. James has been lambasted for a number of reasons: selfishness, disloyalty, killing basketball in a small market, and most importantly, altering the competitive balance of the league. Many people have thought that they don't want to follow a league where the players predetermine who will win. But history shows us that only Bill Russell and Michael Jordan were guaranteed champions in their prime. Miami will have to earn it.
The new Miami Heat enter an NBA landscape in which the two best teams (the Lakers and Celtics), are old, tough, smart, and (especially in the case of the Celtics) a little mean. It is their job to make sure there are no easy lay-ups. I fully expect the Heat to cruise through the regular season with eye-popping statistics and unbelievable highlights. But come playoff time, I think we may have some of the most fascinating playoffs series we have seen in awhile. And maybe Miami will go on to win championship after championship, but it won't happen without a few bodies flying into the bleachers. Tell me you're not interested in watching that.
And maybe, just maybe, with all the pressure on Miami to win now, another team gets better and better (Chicago, Oklahoma City?). You see, I might be able to beat my older brother, but I am not the best basketball player in my family. That honor goes to my twin brother.
The way I see it, there are three possible results:
1. The old guard holds their ground for a year or two.
2. The old guard challenges the Heat to become a basketball force unlike anything we've seen before.
3. Somebody we are not even talking about flies under the radar and becomes the team to beat.
Lebron's decision may affect the whole NBA landscape, but now the whole NBA landscape will fight back. No easy lay-ups.
That said, this was not an easy passing of the torch. As I became more skilled, he came tougher and more physical. He was not willing to simply declare me the better basketball player, I had to earn it, and it would come with some bumps and bruises. In fact, as recently as college, he got kicked out of an intramural basketball game for pushing me into the bleachers from behind as I went in for an easy lay-up. A big brother's job is to make sure there are no easy lay-ups. His toughness, ultimately, is what made me the better player. Had he had an older brother, there is a good chance he would be the better player today.
Why do I retell this story? Because this is what gives me hope that Lebron James' decision might actually be great for basketball. James has been lambasted for a number of reasons: selfishness, disloyalty, killing basketball in a small market, and most importantly, altering the competitive balance of the league. Many people have thought that they don't want to follow a league where the players predetermine who will win. But history shows us that only Bill Russell and Michael Jordan were guaranteed champions in their prime. Miami will have to earn it.
The new Miami Heat enter an NBA landscape in which the two best teams (the Lakers and Celtics), are old, tough, smart, and (especially in the case of the Celtics) a little mean. It is their job to make sure there are no easy lay-ups. I fully expect the Heat to cruise through the regular season with eye-popping statistics and unbelievable highlights. But come playoff time, I think we may have some of the most fascinating playoffs series we have seen in awhile. And maybe Miami will go on to win championship after championship, but it won't happen without a few bodies flying into the bleachers. Tell me you're not interested in watching that.
And maybe, just maybe, with all the pressure on Miami to win now, another team gets better and better (Chicago, Oklahoma City?). You see, I might be able to beat my older brother, but I am not the best basketball player in my family. That honor goes to my twin brother.
The way I see it, there are three possible results:
1. The old guard holds their ground for a year or two.
2. The old guard challenges the Heat to become a basketball force unlike anything we've seen before.
3. Somebody we are not even talking about flies under the radar and becomes the team to beat.
Lebron's decision may affect the whole NBA landscape, but now the whole NBA landscape will fight back. No easy lay-ups.
Monday, July 5, 2010
What's in a Name?
I want to take a little time to talk about team names in sports. This post has been bubbling up in me for awhile now. I have not taken it on yet, because I fear it is too big for me to handle. As I thought about names and tried to think of a formula for what made the best team names in sports. There is no such formula, but here are some ground rules.
Rule #1: Age and success can make a bad name into a good name.
One problem is some of the best names in sports have mainly to do with their age and the success of the team. We get all mushy gushy about team names like the Celtics, Lakers, and Knicks. These are classic names, of big market teams, with a history of success (less so for the Knicks). I, for one, think they are three of the finest names in sports, but if you used their methods of naming for an expansion team today, you would be laughed at. The Celtics are named after an ethnic group from Ireland, only they used the wrong pronunciation. The Lakers, of course, moved from Minneapolis, but are still named after a geographical feature that the Southern California is not know for. And the Knicks are named after pants (Knickerbockers). Yet due to some grandfather clause, they are fantastic names. Somehow I don’t think the Pittsburgh Germans (pronounce the ‘g’ as you would in the word “go”), the Iowa Mountaineers, or the Nashville Capri Pants would fly today.
Rule #2: It doesn’t hurt to have a fierce team name, but it’s not everything.
Another thing I thought about in determining the perfect name is the “King of the Hill” Factor, or the “My Mascot Could Beat Up Your Mascot” Factor. If you just put the team names into a fight, who would win? This is not a bad way to name a team. In general, a fierce mascot is a pretty good way to go. But there are flaws inherent in this system. First, it makes for a lot of team names that seem inspired by little boys’ Halloween costumes: Cowboys, Pirates, Raptors, Lions, etc. Secondly, it can create some rock-paper-scissors situations where there is no clear winner. Take the NFC North. Lion beats Viking (Vikings are tough, but not that tough), Viking beats Packer (tougher of two species of human), Packer beats Bear (mmm…bear burgers), and Bear beats Lion (they’re just bigger). Thirdly, it can create some situations similar to this one from many peoples’ childhood imaginary games:
Kid 1: I shot you.
Kid 2: I have a forcefield around me that blocks bullets.
Kid 1: I have a special gun that shoots through forcefields.
Kid 2: I quit.
This is why don’t like the Washington Wizards or the Orlando Magic, they lend themselves to this kind thing (“I just cast a spell that makes me immune to Grizzly attacks”). Finally, there are situations, such as the latest Super Bowl between the Colts and Saints they just can’t be figures out. I mean who event wants to see a holy person fight with a baby horse?
Rule #3: Let’s stay away from specific people groups.
When I was in high school, the nearby Millard South Indians changed their names to the Patriots. Almost 10 years later, the team that plays America’s most popular sport, in our nation’s capital, is still called the Washington Redskins. At worst, teams named after specific people groups are highly offensive, at best they are alienating (who, outside of Texas, wants to wear Houston Texans gear?).
Rule #4: Team names should not best be described as “cute” or “pretty”
Like I said, ferocity isn’t everything, but it means something. The Cubs, Colts, Cardinals, Bluejays, and Orioles are old enough that I am not advocating a name change, but their names hardly strike fear in opponents. (This also goes for a high school in my hometown of Omaha known as the Benson Bunnies).
Rule #5: I’d like to buy an ‘S’
I’m looking at you Magic, Heat, Lightning, Thunder, Wild, and WNBA.
Rule #6: Originality matters.
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with Bears, Eagles, Tigers, Panthers, Vikings, Cowboys, Wildcats, and Bulldogs, but we all played these teams in high school, why should we have to root for them in the pros? (My elementary, middle school, and high school mascots were, respectively, the Wilcats, the Panthers, and the Eagles).
I respect a team the goes with a generic idea, but puts a unique twist on it. San Antonio could easily be the Cowboys, but went with the Spurs. Cincinnati could have stuck with Tigers, but went with Bengals.
Rule # 7: Geography matters.
Some of my favorite team names also tell me something about their city or state, and if you go this route, you probably have originality covered. You also have something that your fan base already takes pride in. The Pittsburgh Steelers, the Hartford Whalers (RIP), the Green Bay Packers, the Portland Trailblazers, the Minnesota Twins, the Colorado Rockies, the Seattle Mariners, the Indiana Pacers, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Detroit Pistons, the Philadelphia 76ers. Those are among my favorite names in all of sports.
But in the immortal words of the mortal Juliet, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sports Taught me How to Sew
Sometimes Kathy asks me how I can fit so much sports knowledge into my mind. The thing that she doesn't understand is that, for me, it takes no effort at all. Statistics, team names, jersey numbers, past champions, batting orders of Double A baseball teams, are flies and my mind is fly paper. I, like many Americans, watch soccer for a month once every four years. This, however, does not keep me from being fairly conversant when it comes to the World Cup. I have a decent knowledge of the rules, who's good, who's bad, how the game should be played etc. This quality (if you can call it that) is mostly innate.
Part of what is implied in Kathy's question, is what I would be capable of if 80% of my brain was not devoted to sports. Could I be be a more well-rounded person? I think the answer is yes and no. Yes, because this innate skill probably leads me to watch, read about, and ponder sports even more when I could be studying more useful, meaningful things. But the answer is also no because this knowledge exists in the same part of my brain as phone numbers, song lyrics, and old locker combinations. Let's just say that the world is probably not missing any cures to rare diseases because I can name the jersey number of most NBA basketball players from 1990-2010. In fact, I might even argue that there are things about following sports so closely that make me a more well-rounded person. (I may make this into a list at some point, but the following is just one example.)
For the past week, or so, I have been enjoying the World Cup. I love watching the World Cup: the cultures, the colors, the games, the passion. This one is of particular importance to me as it is being held South Africa. In 2003, I traveled to South Africa as a college student. I fell in love with the country: its diversity of people and geography. It was an experience that has had a profound influence on my life and faith. I was exposed to despair and hope, injustice and reconciliation. I became aware of similar injustices in my own country. I became aware of a world that was not shaped only by my worldview and what was best for me. I became aware of God in new and more significant ways.
This World Cup has made me reflect on some of those experiences. It has also made extremely excited to root for South Africa, as a soccer team, but perhaps more importantly as a host nation. As the build up to the Cup began, I grew tired of hearing about the crime and poor infrastructure. Yes, South Africa has its struggles, but these do not define the nation, and what nation does not have its struggles? The suggestion was that this was not a suitable nation to host such a monumental event. It was as though South Africa (and possibly Africa as a whole) was not ready to be taken seriously on an international level. For this reason, I have rooted hard for South Africa as host. And this led me to my dresser drawer.
When I was in South Africa, I bought a patch of their flag. For seven years, that patch sat in a drawer, partly because I didn't know what to put it on, but primarily because I don't know how to sew, and I haven't been ambitious enough to learn. Kathy is an accomplished sewer (having spent years in 4-H, she epitomizes the well-rounded human being, who cannot only sew her own clothes, but also show pigs), but Kathy was not home. So I went to the drawer, pulled out the patch and a seed corn hat and taught myself how to sew. And that is (among other things) how sports has made me a more well-rounded person. The World Cup taught me how to sew.
Here is the finished product:
Part of what is implied in Kathy's question, is what I would be capable of if 80% of my brain was not devoted to sports. Could I be be a more well-rounded person? I think the answer is yes and no. Yes, because this innate skill probably leads me to watch, read about, and ponder sports even more when I could be studying more useful, meaningful things. But the answer is also no because this knowledge exists in the same part of my brain as phone numbers, song lyrics, and old locker combinations. Let's just say that the world is probably not missing any cures to rare diseases because I can name the jersey number of most NBA basketball players from 1990-2010. In fact, I might even argue that there are things about following sports so closely that make me a more well-rounded person. (I may make this into a list at some point, but the following is just one example.)
For the past week, or so, I have been enjoying the World Cup. I love watching the World Cup: the cultures, the colors, the games, the passion. This one is of particular importance to me as it is being held South Africa. In 2003, I traveled to South Africa as a college student. I fell in love with the country: its diversity of people and geography. It was an experience that has had a profound influence on my life and faith. I was exposed to despair and hope, injustice and reconciliation. I became aware of similar injustices in my own country. I became aware of a world that was not shaped only by my worldview and what was best for me. I became aware of God in new and more significant ways.
This World Cup has made me reflect on some of those experiences. It has also made extremely excited to root for South Africa, as a soccer team, but perhaps more importantly as a host nation. As the build up to the Cup began, I grew tired of hearing about the crime and poor infrastructure. Yes, South Africa has its struggles, but these do not define the nation, and what nation does not have its struggles? The suggestion was that this was not a suitable nation to host such a monumental event. It was as though South Africa (and possibly Africa as a whole) was not ready to be taken seriously on an international level. For this reason, I have rooted hard for South Africa as host. And this led me to my dresser drawer.
When I was in South Africa, I bought a patch of their flag. For seven years, that patch sat in a drawer, partly because I didn't know what to put it on, but primarily because I don't know how to sew, and I haven't been ambitious enough to learn. Kathy is an accomplished sewer (having spent years in 4-H, she epitomizes the well-rounded human being, who cannot only sew her own clothes, but also show pigs), but Kathy was not home. So I went to the drawer, pulled out the patch and a seed corn hat and taught myself how to sew. And that is (among other things) how sports has made me a more well-rounded person. The World Cup taught me how to sew.
Here is the finished product:
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Big 8? 12? 10? Who's Counting?
I moved to Nebraska in 1994. The Cornhuskers football team proceeded to win the next two National Championships as a member of the Big Eight Conference. Two years later they joined the Big Twelve Conference. And now 14 years later they are becoming the twelfth team in the Big Ten Conference. I think I just set a record for most even numbers in a paragraph. Here is my two cents on the Huskers' big move.
My thoughts begin, strangely enough, with the Stanley Cup. The Chicago Blackhawks hoisted the trophy for the first time in 49 years this week. As I watched each player hold the cup, kiss the cup, take pictures with their kids and the cup, I was struck by their singular sense of purpose. Every player there had dreamed about this moment. This silver cup represented everything they had ever worked for. College football lacks this singular sense of purpose, it always has, and it always will.
The Husker moved to the Big Ten for reasons of money, athletics, and academics, probably in that order. However the three are strangely interwoven. What is the purpose of a college football team? To support the university financially? To create school spirit? To prepare the majority of athletes who will "go pro in something other than sports" for their careers? To win a national championship? To win the BCS? To win the coaches poll? To beat the Buckeyes? To uphold academic standards? To prepare their exceptional student-athletes for professional sports? To secure television contracts? To give the marching band a venue? To give me something to do on Saturday afternoons? To give sports writers endless material? Yes, the correct answer is all of the above.
This is why I resist any moralizing when it comes to discussing college sports. Money, athletics, and academics sometimes work symbiotically, but for the most part are at odds. I am not suggesting that schools should operate outside the rules, but I am not surprised that they do given the multiple purposes of Division I college athletics. So without getting into the nitty gritty things that I know little about, I love this move for the Cornhuskers for the following reasons.
1. It seems like a good fit. The Huskers fit in geograpically (somewhere in middle America). They fit in academically (a team that takes pride in their academic all-Americans). They fit in stylistically (smash mouth, run the football, play good defense).
2. They need a change of scenery. Texas and Oklahoma quickly made the old option Huskers obsolete. Then Bill Callahan systematically destroyed the Huskers. Bo Pellini has done a fantastic job of restoring the program, but in general the Big Twelve has not been full of great memories for the Huskers. As Tom Osborne guides this move they will keep the tradition, but continue their fresh start.
3. The Big Ten will be home to four of the finest uniforms in all of sports. Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, and Nebraska. Sometimes less is more. A yearly Penn State vs. Nebraska matchup may be the most aesthetically pleasing game in sports.
4. Selfishly, I will see them a lot more. I have lived in Big Ten country for 10 years now. It has been hard to be a Husker fan when I only see them once a year. The Gophers opened a brand new stadium last year. Though I was interested as a sports fan, I didn't make it to a game. I can almost guarantee I'll be there the first time the Huskers come to town. Of the teams I am loyal to, my love for the Huskers, and thus college football, has waned the most. I am excited to embrace college football again.
5. I have already received an outpouring of welcome and smack talk from friends who root for Big Ten teams. Having lived in Big Ten country for 10 years, the majority of my friends root for these teams. I love that they are already rooting against the Huskers. I love the idea of watching games with them. They will make me raise my game as a fan.
Now, I am not informed enough to know how the move will affect all of college football, but from some of the rumors I hear, this is what I hope does or doesn't happen.
1. I hope these super conferences don't form. It sound like these super conferences would be a step toward a playoff system which I support, but I think rivalries are too important to have conferences made up of teams that won't play each other all that often.
2. I hope the Big 12 doesn't disappear. Texas and Oklahoma seem like strong enough schools to anchor a conference. I would love to see teams like TCU or Utah join. It would be great if the shuffle allowed more teams to join power conferences.
3. I don't care about Notre Dame. Take 'em. Leave 'em. They haven't been relevant since Rocket Ismail.
Sixteen years ago, I went to my first Husker game at Memorial Stadium. I remember the sea of red. I remember getting goosebumps as the team ran out of the tunnel. I joined a group of fans that I consider to be the best in the country. For the last several years my passion for the Huskers has waned. Honestly, this may have been the only way to get me back. Look for me in Husker red on game days next year. It's been too long.
My thoughts begin, strangely enough, with the Stanley Cup. The Chicago Blackhawks hoisted the trophy for the first time in 49 years this week. As I watched each player hold the cup, kiss the cup, take pictures with their kids and the cup, I was struck by their singular sense of purpose. Every player there had dreamed about this moment. This silver cup represented everything they had ever worked for. College football lacks this singular sense of purpose, it always has, and it always will.
The Husker moved to the Big Ten for reasons of money, athletics, and academics, probably in that order. However the three are strangely interwoven. What is the purpose of a college football team? To support the university financially? To create school spirit? To prepare the majority of athletes who will "go pro in something other than sports" for their careers? To win a national championship? To win the BCS? To win the coaches poll? To beat the Buckeyes? To uphold academic standards? To prepare their exceptional student-athletes for professional sports? To secure television contracts? To give the marching band a venue? To give me something to do on Saturday afternoons? To give sports writers endless material? Yes, the correct answer is all of the above.
This is why I resist any moralizing when it comes to discussing college sports. Money, athletics, and academics sometimes work symbiotically, but for the most part are at odds. I am not suggesting that schools should operate outside the rules, but I am not surprised that they do given the multiple purposes of Division I college athletics. So without getting into the nitty gritty things that I know little about, I love this move for the Cornhuskers for the following reasons.
1. It seems like a good fit. The Huskers fit in geograpically (somewhere in middle America). They fit in academically (a team that takes pride in their academic all-Americans). They fit in stylistically (smash mouth, run the football, play good defense).
2. They need a change of scenery. Texas and Oklahoma quickly made the old option Huskers obsolete. Then Bill Callahan systematically destroyed the Huskers. Bo Pellini has done a fantastic job of restoring the program, but in general the Big Twelve has not been full of great memories for the Huskers. As Tom Osborne guides this move they will keep the tradition, but continue their fresh start.
3. The Big Ten will be home to four of the finest uniforms in all of sports. Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, and Nebraska. Sometimes less is more. A yearly Penn State vs. Nebraska matchup may be the most aesthetically pleasing game in sports.
4. Selfishly, I will see them a lot more. I have lived in Big Ten country for 10 years now. It has been hard to be a Husker fan when I only see them once a year. The Gophers opened a brand new stadium last year. Though I was interested as a sports fan, I didn't make it to a game. I can almost guarantee I'll be there the first time the Huskers come to town. Of the teams I am loyal to, my love for the Huskers, and thus college football, has waned the most. I am excited to embrace college football again.
5. I have already received an outpouring of welcome and smack talk from friends who root for Big Ten teams. Having lived in Big Ten country for 10 years, the majority of my friends root for these teams. I love that they are already rooting against the Huskers. I love the idea of watching games with them. They will make me raise my game as a fan.
Now, I am not informed enough to know how the move will affect all of college football, but from some of the rumors I hear, this is what I hope does or doesn't happen.
1. I hope these super conferences don't form. It sound like these super conferences would be a step toward a playoff system which I support, but I think rivalries are too important to have conferences made up of teams that won't play each other all that often.
2. I hope the Big 12 doesn't disappear. Texas and Oklahoma seem like strong enough schools to anchor a conference. I would love to see teams like TCU or Utah join. It would be great if the shuffle allowed more teams to join power conferences.
3. I don't care about Notre Dame. Take 'em. Leave 'em. They haven't been relevant since Rocket Ismail.
Sixteen years ago, I went to my first Husker game at Memorial Stadium. I remember the sea of red. I remember getting goosebumps as the team ran out of the tunnel. I joined a group of fans that I consider to be the best in the country. For the last several years my passion for the Huskers has waned. Honestly, this may have been the only way to get me back. Look for me in Husker red on game days next year. It's been too long.
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