NBA Playoffs are raging, NFL court cases are blazing, MLB players are healing. All this and more in this week’s Sunday State of Mind.
Every series, NBA, looking pretty even All eight teams remaining still have something to believe in No 3-0 series leads, every team is on the board The Larry O’Brien Trophy is what were looking toward
Bussin’ With The Boys? More like bringing law suit noise Taylor Lewan is suing cause he’s no longer employed Feel bad for the guy, his career may be cooked Sounds like Dr. Andrews didn’t take a second look
Speaking of injuries, other side of the stick Bryce Harper is back in a period quicker than quick Less than six months post op, the big one Tommy John Already mashin’ taters, hitting bombs just like a Don
An awkward time is over out in Baltimore Lamar Jackson wanted his contract, and he finally scored Two hundred sixty million, is what was settled on Lamar returning now is a conclusion that’s foregone
Our first SSM in a world that has Lionel Messi atop the World Cup throne. But what else happened this week?
Craziest win of the football season Patriots lateral for some reason Right to the Raiders, a strange outcome Poor Jakobi Meyers just has to feel numb
Another weird one, Cowboys and the Jags One that Big D thought they had in the bag An OT pick six thrown by Dak Prescott A win was for sale, and Jacksonville bought
MLB free agent shortstops are set The group of big four, money they did get Turner, Bogaerts, Correa and Swanson Enough contracts, can offseason be done?
Frank Gore Jr. still might be running A LendingTree Bowl performance that was stunning A cool three hundred and twenty-nine yards Senior must be proud, his boy is a star
We had the last sports equinox of the year this week. That and more in our latest SSM.
World Series is over, new kings have been crowned Astros win another one, and are parade bound No trash can drama this time, at least no rumors yet If you were to wager though, might not be a bad bet
Some major programs going down in college football Alabama lost again, Tennessee also did fall Clemson also lost to an unranked Notre Dame This part of the football season never comes up lame
We got vintage Tom Brady against the LA Rams Still trying to beat the notion that the Bucs are shams Come back win, fourth quarter drive, TB played the right cards Also became the first QB with 100k yards
Other end of the spectrum, one guy just getting started Justin Fields running the ball at a level uncharted Broke the rushing record for a QB in a game One hundred seventy-eight yards, left the field aflame
The biggest story of the week, what else can we say The Nets made the right move by keeping Kyrie at bay Terrible post, terrible week, he doesn’t seem to care The constant act this guy gives us is starting to wear
Another week where sports just unmercifully punched us in the face…and we liked it. Let’s review the pounding with prose in this week’s SSM.
Your NL pennant winners, those pesky Fightin’ Phils! Took the Padres out, this team is full of thrills Harper, Schwarber, Wheeler, the list goes on and on If they play the Astros, series won’t be a yawn
Something rare happened this week, an NFL trade Niners’ Christian McCaffrey, Frisco not afraid Made his debut today, got a few plays in Chiefs came to The Bay however, got themselves the win
Speaking of the Panthers, took it to the Bucs? Hard to say but it seems like Tampa Bay just sucks Lot of season left for TB and the boys Don’t be shocked if they come back and make postseason noise
The NBA is back, first games have come and gone Just another sport this time of year loves to add on Some early surprises, Sixers and the Lakers blank The Jazz keep winning even though they’re clearly trying to tank
This week in sports has been absolutely banana sandwich. SSM is here to relive it all.
Alabama/Tennessee, singing Rocky Top Volunteer offense was rolling, and refused to stop Hendon Hooker and the boys put up 52 Bama defense, usually good, but last night they blew
Playoff baseball heating up, and upsets galore Dodgers out, Braves out, who surprised you more? NLCS matchup of the Padres and the Phillies Yes you read that matchup right, no not joking, really
Over in the AL, Astros wrecked the M’s A 3-0 series sweep, Houston played a gem Guardians and Yankees play to see who gets the ‘stros Yankees ahead at time of writing, can the bombers close?
We have to ask the question: are the Jets for real? Went on the road and got a dub down at Lambeau Field Impressive for a young team, tough place to play for sure And against Aaron Rodgers, a win they procure
There’s a fall chill in the air, which means playoff baseball and midseason football. All of that and more in this week’s SSM.
A big win out in London, New York beat Green Bay The New York Football Giants, feeling some type of way Starting the season 4-1, football’s biggest surprise Lamar Jackson comes in next week, they may just get baptized
Speaking of baptisms, Jets dunked on the ‘Fins Miami started 3-1, left with the same amount of wins Jets have won two straight, sit a game behind the Bills New York’s cold dead football hearts may be getting filled
Even without their quarterback, ‘bama is the best Beat Texas A&M, could probably beat the rest Of the country’s teams, Saban is just that good The best to ever do it, that is understood
A team worthy of mention, your Kansas Jayhawks Dream start to the season, some undefeated talks Hung tough with TCU, but just fell short by seven Even with a loss, Kansas football fans in heaven
As mentioned in our opening, playoff baseball is here MLB Wild Card weekend, get your hot dogs and beer Three game sets were over quick, Cleveland Seattle Philly Having so much sports at once is absolutely silly
Hope springs eternal. It’s finally here, folks; it’s baseball season. Summer is around the corner, and we’ll all soon be sitting in the sun at our favorite ballparks inhaling hot dogs and ice cold beer.
Everyone is doing prediction content, we know that. But our official 2022 prognostications will be coming via the reminiscing route.
Who doesn’t love a good baseball name from from the 90’s or early aughts? So that’s how we’re giving our picks, via our favorite throwback name from each team.
AL East
Toronto Blue Jays – Gregg Zaun, C
Boston Red Sox – Trot Nixon, RF
Tampa Bay Rays – Miguel Cairo, 2B
New York Yankees – Scott Brosius, 3B
Baltimore Orioles – Jerry Hairston Jr., 2B
AL Central
Chicago White Sox – José Valentín, 3B
Minnesota Twins – Matt Lawton, CF
Cleveland Guardians – Carlos Baerga, 2B
Detroit Tigers – José Macías, 3B
Kansas City Royals – Mark Grudzielanek, 2B
AL West
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Scott Spiezio, 1B
Houston Astros – Julio Lugo, SS
Seattle Mariners – Mike Cameron, CF
Texas Rangers – Royce Clayton, SS
Oakland A’s – Matt Stairs, DH
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies – Mickey Morandini, 2B
Atlanta Braves – Ryan Klesko, RF
New York Mets – Benny Agbayani, LF
Miami Marlins – Hee-Seop Choi, 1B
Washington Nationals – José Vidro, 2B
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals – Fernando Vina, 2B
Milwaukee Brewers – Jeromy Burnitz, RF
Chicago Cubs – Ron Coomer, 3B
Cincinnati Reds – Pokey Reese, 2B
Pittsburgh Pirates – Tony Womack, SS
NL West
Colorado Rockies – Dante Bichette, RF
San Francisco Giants – Benito Santiago, C
Los Angeles Dodgers – César Izturis, SS
San Diego Padres – Mark Kotsay, CF
Arizona Diamondbacks – Lyle Overbay, 1B
God, that was amazing…I think I need a cigarette. So many great names, so much boring baseball to have on in the background until October. Let’s go.
What a long, strange journey it’s been. We started all the way at 99, and have now arrived at our final edition of “Who Wore It Best?” Single digits can be tough, but we’re up for the challenge.
I mean, “Mr. Hockey” has to make the list, right? Howe’s career spanned nearly 40 years, in which he won four Stanley Cups, six Hart Trophies, and appeared in the All-Star game 23 times.
Honorable Mentions: Ted Williams, Drew Brees, Bobby Hull, Mike Modano
Maybe the closest we’ll ever get to MJ. We all know Kobe ended his career rocking 24, but he was great enough to take the eight cake. He spent his entire 20 year career with the Lakers, in which he won five NBA Championships, the 2008 MVP, and made 11 All-NBA First Teams.
Honorable Mentions: Joe Morgan, Carl Yastrzemski, Cal Ripken Jr., Yogi Berra, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Alexander Ovechkin
The greatest player who was a doppelgänger of their team mascot. But that’s not the only reason Elway makes our list. He held the “couldn’t win the big one” tag his entire career, until he shut everyone up and won back-to-back Super Bowls his last two seasons in the NFL. Even if he wouldn’t have won the two Lombardis, Elway racked up an MVP, nine Pro Bowl selections, and passing title in 1993.
The man who ran out of fingers for all of his championship rings. Russell won five MVPs, was a four time rebounding champion, and a member of the NBA’s 25th, 35th, and 50th Anniversary Teams.
We’ve shown our appreciation for The Machine on this blog before. Pujols’ first 11 years in St. Louis were enough to get the guy in the Hall of Fame. His time with the Angels and Dodgers, while not as great, hasn’t done anything to diminish that. His approximate career numbers have him as a .300 hitter, closing in on 700 home runs, and well over 3,000 hits.
Honorable Mentions: Joe DiMaggio, George Brett, Johnny Bench, Kevin Garnett, Donovan McNabb
Next to Babe Ruth, Lou Gherig was the best player on the Yankees during their incredible run in the 20’s and 30’s. Gherig was a part of six World Series championships, was a two time MVP, and won the Triple Crown in 1934.
Honorable Mentions: Brett Favre, Adam Vinatieri, Bobby Orr
Keeping it young and fresh with back to back 1920’s Yankees. This one’s a no doubter though; Shohei Ohtaini before Shohei Ohtani. At the plate, The Great Bambino hit 714 home runs, slugged .690, and ended his career with an 1.164 OPS. On the mound, The Colossus of Clout went 94-46, with a 2.28 ERA, and threw 107 complete games.
Christ, enough with the Yankees already. Jeets is an easy choice in a not extremely tough field. The recent Hall of Fame inductee wrapped up an illustrious career with a very succinct five World Series rings, Gold Gloves, and Silver Slugger Awards, as well as 14 All-Star appearances.
The best defensive shortstop of all time, and possibly best overall defender ever. Smith won 13 Gold Gloves in 19 seasons. Along the way, he was a part of the 1982 World Series Championship Cardinal team, made 15 All-Star games, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2002.
A nice, easy choice to get us to the finish line; not a whole lot of competition at the zero spot. The 2017 MVP is a nine time All-Star, two time All-NBA First Teamer, and is essentially a walking triple double.
Honorable Mention: N/A
We made it, friends. All the way from 99 down to 0. We laughed, we cried, and made some friends along the way. This was a fun project to complete and remember some names that haven’t been brought up in a while. Hopefully this was as interesting to read as it was to write. Who knows what our next series will be…stay tuned.
We are on the brink of Thanksgiving break. Thanksgiving football is one of our greatest traditions. But we’re not here to look forward, but back on the week that was in this week’s SSM.
Jonathan Taylor, leading the way For the winning Colts, five tuddy Sunday The losses are piling up for the Bills A bit of a shocker, team usually kills
A real strange league, this NFL Often leaves us wondering, “what the hell?” After winning six straight, and facing Houston The Titans lost, and their win streak is done
We’ve got new MVPs in the MLB Bryce and Shohei, unanimously Neither of these studs made it to the postseason Baseball’s a weird game, for many strange reasons
It took 17 games to get our first ax Of the NBA season, Luke Walton’s been sacked The chronically bad Sacramento Kings Seem so far away from competing for rings
Starting off young, fresh, and hip. While 19 turns out to be an incredibly strongly represented number, Unitas is widely known as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Four championships, three MVPs, and a member of all three of the 50th, 75th and 100th NFL Anniversary Teams gives Johnny U the nod.
Honorable Mentions: Tony Gwynn, Willis Reed, Steve Yzerman, Jonathan Toews
Back to back Colts quarterbacks to get us started here. A member of the most recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee class, Manning put up some unreal numbers en route to two Super Bowl wins. Manning’s trophy case is busting at the seams with five MVPs, the 2012 Comeback Player of the Year Award, and number retirement plaques for his number 18 in both Indianapolis and Denver.
Todd Helton played baseball and football at University of Tennessee, and was a teammate of Peyton Manning’s. However, Helton makes our list for his accomplishments on the diamond. Helton retired in 2013 with a career average of .316, 369 home runs, and 2,519 hits. Along the way, he won three Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, and a batting title in 2000.
Much like Unitas, Montana is a firm part of the “best quarterback of all-time” conversation. Montana lead the 49ers to four Super Bowl rings, while being the MVP in three of those four wins. One of the more accurate quarterbacks of his time, he lead the NFL in completion percentage five separate seasons.
If we’re including Johnny Unitas, it’s only fair to involve Bart Starr. The quarterback who lead the Packers to victories in Super Bowls I and II, while winning MVP in both games, finished his career with five championships, a regular season MVP award, and four Pro Bowls.
Taking a bit of gamble including Rose on our list, but here we are. The all-time hit king (4,256) does have a stellar on-field resumé. Seventeen All-Star games, three World Series rings, the 1973 NL MVP, and two Gold Gloves.
Honorable Mentions: Ernie Banks, Oscar Robertson, Dan Fouts
Of course the only man to score 100 points in an NBA game is making our list. Wilt the Stilt averaged a silly 30.9 points per game and 22.9 rebounds per game over his 15 year career. He also won two rings, four MVPs, was a seven time scoring champion, as well as an 11 time rebound champion.
The greatest quarterback of all time at the most important position in sports. TB12’s resumé is too long to outline here; but it’s headlined by his seven Super Bowl rings. On top of that, Brady has lead the league at one point in his career in passing touchdowns, yards, and rating.
Honorable Mentions: John Stockton, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, Jim Kelly, Joe Namath, Bob Griese, Aaron Rodgers, Jarome Iginla
Being the center piece of a dynasty goes a long way in lists like these. Messier was the unquestioned leader & captain in Edmonton, where he lead the Oilers to five Stanley Cups. He also became the only player to captain two separate teams to Stanley Cup victories when he lead the Rangers to the cup in 1994.
Honorable Mentions: Barry Larkin, Larry Fitzgerald
Fran Tarkenton walked to Steve Young, Michael Vick, and the like could run. Not only did Tarkenton sling it for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns, he also ran for 3,674 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career. Another fun fact: his only MVP season came in 1975, his 15th year in the NFL.
Honorable Mentions: Walt Frazier, Guy Lafleur
Heavy quarterback representation here. Any other noise was a faint whisper from baseball. Abysmal showing by hockey and basketball. We’ll bid farewell to our ongoing series in the next edition of “Who Wore It Best.”
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