The Amazing World of Sports

Well, I figured for now I would write about another big part of my life (aside from family, friends and school) - namely, Sports. Lets break it down, sport by sport. But before we do - let me go on the record saying that I will watch anything that is on ESPN - seriously - i've stayed up WAY too late watching comptetive eating, cheerleading competitions, the outdoor games or the spelling bee more times than I care to remember.

MLB - Over the past few years I have gained more of an appreciation for the game of baseball. There is a lot more strategy and planning that goes into it than I previously thought. The first team I ever liked as a kid was the Mets. That was back in the late 80's, where they would comstantly come in second place to the Pittsburg Pirates (whose outfield consisted of Bobby Bonilla, Andy Van Slyke and Barry Bonds at the time). I sort of lost interest early 90's, and when I regained interest in high school, it was as a Yankees fan. I still rooted for the Mets as well, since, unlike my father in law, I have no deep seeded hate of either team, but the Yanks were my team. Especially when I went to MIT - so much fun being a Yanks fan in Boston between 1998 to 2002. But Buzzy is a huge Mets fan, so I have found myself gravitating towards them as a fan once again. So, I find myself rooting hard for two teams.

NFL - I am a die-hard, over the top football fan, and more specifically, Oakland Raiders fan (I was born on Super Bowl XV in 1981 when my Raiders whooped Dick Vermil and his Eagles), So therefore, sicne I have been a football fan (early 90's) my life has pretty much been miserable. As far as I can remember, the Raiders have made the playoffs only 3 times in my life (granted, once was to the Superbowl where they were humiliated by the Bucs). And this season doesn't look any better. I HATE the Broncos; I only dislike the Chiefs (this might do with the fact I have Priest Holmes on my fantasy team for the past 4 years) and the Chargers are so pathetic (except for last year) that I simply don't care about them. I also have always had a soft spot in my heart or the loveable bunggling Bengals. Though they seem poised to break out of that slump this year!
I am also a HUGE fantasy football player. Last year, in my keeper league, I made the finals and lost to a phenomenal team. This year, I am 2-0 and blowing my opponents out of the water. Hopefully that keeps up. In my Einstein league, I am also 2-0.. wouldn't it be awesome to win 2 leagues in one year?! I owe my participation in fantasy sports to my friend Dave, who 9 years ago convinced me to start doing fanatsy football - thanks Dave! I'll get more into the beauty of Fantasy Football in another post.

NBA - Sadly, I am a Knicks fan, watching a once proud franchise being run into the ground. Well, finally at the end of last year, Isiah made some good moves, got back some draft picks he had given up for shit.. we'll see. I'll still never forget the daggers that Reggie Miller threw in my heart or how every 3 that John Starks missed in game 7 of the 1994 NBA finals was like a blow to the head. More recently the Knicks were the 8th seed and beat the 1st seed Miami Heat (1998) that was fun - (especially, since one of my college firends, Jon, is a HUGE Miami fan). I'll root for the Nets - Jason Kidd is phenomenal, and I LOVE Air Canada (Vince Carter) - will never forget him jumping OVER a 7 foot guy in some exhibition olympic game. Thankfully, the East is so bad, that every year the Knicks actually have a chance of making the playoffs.

NHL - do i really care that it is back? No. Will that stop me from watching - no. I suppose I am a Rangers fan (will never forget staying up to like 2 am watching that triple OT win vs the Devils in 1994), an I was a bit sad when Messier retired last week... but I don't really care too much about Hockey. My friend Steven does- he's a die hard Rangers fan since high school. So, I cheer with him. It's fun

So thsoe are the big sports. What else do I enjoy watching?

Tennis - I have started watching more and more tennis. When 2 good people are playing, it's a beautiful game to watch. I suppose I like Aggasi, just b/c he's been around for so long. I like Andy Roddick too. Women's tennis is even more fun to watch. I usually cheer for the underdog just for the hell of it.

Golf - I have actually started paying attention to golf. Some of those Masters have been very close lately (it is no longer Tiger just running away with it all), which makes it much more interesting. I have tired hitting golf balls at a driving range - i suck. My hand hurts afterwards. If I actually make contact with the ball I drive it pretty damn far... but that only happens about 5% of the time. Once, during high school I went to a pitch and putt with my friends David and Elie. David was standing behind me. I managed to hit the ball backwards and knock him in the chest. I told you... I suck at golf.

NASCAR - please. Only a hockey fan could like NASCAR - like, yes, you guessed it - Steven. Though watching the guy throw his helmet at the car on Sunday was pretty funny.

i think that about covers it for now.