It's mid July, which means that the summer is halfway over. So in light of the impending doom that is the beginning of another school year, I thought I would write about the important sports events that have occurred so far this summer.
By far the biggest story of the summer is the World Cup. It's the biggest sporting event in the world, and I felt that there was more American pride for our team this year than in years past. Much of this can be attributed to the fact that the USA finally has the figurehead needed for a sport to become popular - Landon Donovan. He not only scored the most important goal(s) for our national team in the tournament, but he became a rallying point for fans across this great country. When scorers like Ronaldo, Messi, and Rooney were transparent on the pitch, Donovan demonstrated that a new era of soccer has begun in the USA and the world needs to start recognizing the talent that we have in the states.
Another huge story, which is close to my heart, was the return of Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods to his professional golf career. After being put in the mud and having his reputation destroyed by anyone with the privilege to be published, Tiger walked back to the game that he loves, and the game that we love him for. With two T-4 finishes at the Masters and the US Open, Tiger is now poised to end his longest career drought to start a season. At 4:09am EST tomorrow morning, Tiger will tee off to start his 2010 Open Championship. This year is played at St. Andrews, the home of golf, and a course that Tiger has won at the only two times The Open has been played there during his professional career. A story contained within this one is the fact that he has switched putters for the first time in 12 years, Tiger isn't using his Scotty Cameron 2 putter. He is making a switch to the Nike Method, which takes its form from the Cameron 2. Woods said earlier this week that the change is only to make the ball roll faster on St. Andrew's slower greens. Who knows how this will effect is putting, which has been known to be abysmal on slow greens. I will make a few bold and some not so bold predictions: Tiger will contend on Sunday, that is, have a chance to win it. He will show the media, the fans, and the world that Tiger is back. Also, look out for Lee Westwood, Ernie Els, and Rory McIlroy. Also, as a dark horse, Martin Kaymer has looked quite impressive this year.
LeBron James has been the other huge story of the summer. He left his native Cleveland/Akron in order to play with Dwayne Wade and GT alum Chris Bosh in South Beach. He is catching so much 'heat' for doing this, but is it necessary? As a Celtics fan, I can't complain about three stars taking less money to play with each other and to try to win championships. However, when the original Big Three came together, there was no 1-hour special on ESPN to announce 'The Big Ticket' and Ray Allen coming to Boston. He did it in the wrong way, but I can't be upset at him. All that I can do is hope that the original Big Three or even the Lakers (who I dislike as much as the Yankees) can keep Miami from buying a championship.
In smaller news, George "The Boss" Steinbrenner died on the 13 of July. As much as I hate the Yankees, I have to respect the man that shaped them into the organization that they are today. He made the free agency frenzy what it is today, and without him the summer of LeBron would not have happened, for better or for worse. His top goal was winning, and he wasn't afraid to step on toes in order to accomplish it. He hired and fired Billy Martin 5 times, and Lou Piniella twice. This cutthroat nature can be looked at in many lights, but regardless, it has to be looked at with respect. To the man that won more World Series titles in the past 23 years (7), and the longest tenured owner in the business, we will miss you, but your legacy will continue to impact every sports organization in the world.
Also, Big Papi won the Home Run Derby. Watching this, I wonder what the best strategy for winning is. In past years, sluggers have tired out after hitting innumerous amounts of homeruns in the early rounds. Ortiz squeaked into the second round, and stayed consistent - unlike the Josh Hamiltons of years past. Maybe this is the best idea for those looking to win it, not necessarily put up huge numbers in the first round.
The National League finally got lucky and won the All-Star Game and thereby home field advantage in the World Series. Props to hometown boy Brian McCann for garnering MVP honors and having the only clutch hit in the game - but this is appropriate since it has been the year of the pitcher. This topic has been written about so frequently that I won't delve into it.
Also, in NCAA basketball news, there will be a First Four round due to the expansion of the field to 68. I think this is a good idea, but I don't like how TruTV has gotten the rights to show the opening rounds, which has been taken away from ESPN. We will see if that will last.
Speaking of basketball, John Wall was drafted first, which everyone saw from a mile away. I don't know how good of a player he will be this upcoming year, but he will eventually be an All-Star. All I know is that I can always appreciate him for popularizing the now called 'John Wall Dance.'
Finally, tonight is the night of the ESPYS. And as I've done in the last few years during this time, I have re-watched the speech given by Jimmy Valvano in 1993. If you haven't seen it, then watch it here:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3118760&categoryid=2378529
And remember, don't give up, don't ever give up.
No comments:
Post a Comment