The best time of the year. Many people recognize that phrase as a famous Christmas carol. Others associate that phrase with the Christmas holiday itself.
However, sports fans would argue that the best time of the year takes place during the transition from winter to spring, and not because the weather allows for 18 rounds of golf. During this span, two sports are ending their season, one is just beginning, and the other is adding the next generation of athletes.
Throughout the month of March and beginning of April, college basketball brings a madness to the sports world. Other than Superbowl weekend, March Madness may very well be the most popular sporting event in all of America. Most men, and women, have a sense of pride to be the best at what they do and filling out their March Madness bracket is no different. That causes the games to be watched with a sense of ergency, as every fan wants to correctly pick every game and ultimatelly the National Championship. Fans aren't the only ones who are on edge during the tournament. The players and coaches want to leave their legacy and make history with every upset and buzzer beater. March Madness alone could make an arguement for these few weeks being the best time of the year.
America's past time also begins a new chapter during this time period. Even with March Madness going on, the start of Major League Baseball has their opening night to themselves. On the first Saturday in April, college basketball is down to the Final Four, with the National Championship game being the following Monday. The opening of the MLB season is sandwiched between the two and opens up with a Sunday night game. Normally, the game features two of the top teams from the previous season in an ESPN Sunday night game. The following day, along with the National Championship game, the majority of the teams open up their season with a select few opening up Tuesday. Once again, the sports fan gets to enjoy the best time of the year with two Final Four games, a National Championship game, and Opening Day in Major League Baseball all within a three day period.
Out of all the major sports throughout the country, both college and professional, the NBA would be one of the least popular for many. However, this is the time to enjoy the NBA season. In mid April, the six month NBA regular season comes to an end and the playoffs begin. One reason the NBA is at the bottom in popularity is due to the 82 game season spread over six months. Many of the players are notrious for slacking off during some of the regular season games which takes a lot of the excitement away. That changes once the playoffs begin. The NBA showcases some of the greatest athletes in the world and the playoffs let you see these athletes squaring off over a five or seven game series. Whether you watch the playoffs to cheer for or against a certain team, it will provide great games which in turns adds to the greatness of this time of year.
The last sport during this time period is enjoyed in a different way then the other three. There isn't any madness, or even games for that matter. This sport simply provides sports fans with a draft. Many people would argue it's hard to justify a draft adding excitement to this time of the year. However, this isn't just any draft. It's the draft for the most popular sport in the world. This draft was recently moved to primetime which means it's something fans want to see. Of course, I'm refering to the NFL draft. This is by far the most popular offseason event for any sport. The draft gives fans an opportunity to see who their favorite team will be drafting. Whether that player is the next MVP or turns out to be a bust, it gives the fas an excitement leading up to and during the season. The are able to watch this player develop right before their eyes. It also gives fans an excitement to see if the player their team drafted in the fifth round is the steal of the draft. The draft provides so many story lines for fans that keeps them buzzing for the next five months leading up to the season.
Whether the famous Christmas carol is referring to it or not, when it comes to sports fans, it's obvious that these two months provide the best time of the year.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Delmarva's ESPN Radio moved to 960 AM
Roughly ten months ago, sports fans across Delmarva were given a gift. That gift was a crystal clear FM radio station that was affiliated with ESPN. It was the first ever FM sports talk station on Delmarva. You could call it a sports fan's dream. However, that dream has just become a nightmare.
It was recently announced that 95.9 The Sports Animal, Home of ESPN Radio, would be moving over to 960 AM. Most of you probably already know that Sports Talk 960 was a sister station of 95.9 the Sports Animal, and had been an ESPN affiliate for some time now. That station now becomes 960 The Sports Animal, which doesn't have the same ring to it if you ask me.
The station will still carry the normal shows of Mike and Mike in the Morning, the Dan Patrick Show, The Herd, the Scott Van Pelt show, and our local show, Off the Bench with Whiskey and Randy.
Even though 960 will still broadcasting everything you heard on 95.9, I wouldn't get my hopes of actually being able to listen to the shows. I'm not sure which parts of Delmarva get a good reception of 960 but I'm willing to bet it's not much.
If ESPN radio became part of your every day drive and was the only channel you listened to, then I would suggest investing in XM radio. Trust me, you will not be happy with 960 The Sports Animal.
Rumors fly of Brett Favre landing on Dancing with the Stars
Mike Florio, of ProFootballTalk, is reporting Brett Farve has now moved on to the dance floor. The one good thing about this is it seems like he may have finally retired from the NFL, at least for this year. On the other hand, it seems like Brett Farve will be in the news, one way or another, for the rest of our lives.
Here is the full story:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/11/rumors-fly-of-brett-favre-landing-on-dancing-with-the-stars/
Here is the full story:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/11/rumors-fly-of-brett-favre-landing-on-dancing-with-the-stars/
The Top 10 Rivalries in Sports History
Army vs. Navy, Duke vs. Carolina, Yankees vs. Red Sox, Ali vs. Frazier. Whenever you think of either one of those matchups, one word usually pops into your mind, rivalry.
Rivals aren't created over night. A true rivalry takes time, a rich history between two teams, and success unlike any other. The rivalry is an intense competition that is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans. Rivalries match up teams based on one thing, shared success. Both teams have dominated their sport. When two rivals square off, it's a date circled on every fan's calendar. Isn't that what sports is all about?
I have compiled a list of best the best sporting rivalries of all time.
10. Army vs. Navy
It is one of the most traditional and enduring rivalries in college football. The first game between the two teams was played in 1890. What separates this rivalry from any other is the fact that once the pads are off and the players have graduated, they both have one goal, to defend our country.
09. Bulls vs. Pistons
Two names can sum up this rivalry, Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. This rivalry really took off in the late 1980's when Jordan's Bulls and the "Bad Boy" Pistons led by Thomas would battle it out for a trip to the NBA finals.
08. Giants vs. Dodgers
I think it's easy to say that this is one of the longest-standing and one of the most storied rivalries in the history of Major League Baseball. The rivalry took off in the late 19th century when both teams made their homes in the city of New York.
07. Auburn vs. Alabama
The Iron Bowl is considered one of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of sports. In 2009 and 2010, CBS arranged an agreement between the two universities to have the game played in an exclusive time slot on the Friday following Thanksgiving. However, when it comes to National Championships, Alabama takes the cake.
06. Michigan vs. Ohio State
The rivalry started when Ohio Stadium opened in 1922 and Michigan spoiled the party with a 22-0 victory. From 1970 through 1975, Michigan entered without a loss every year. The Wolverines won just once. Ohio State was 9-0-1 in 1993, 11-0 in 1995 and 10-0 in 1996. The Buckeyes lost each time. Is that not the definition of a rivalry? The one sided success of Ohio State in the last few years cause a dropped in my top ten list. If I made this list 10 years ago, it could easily be #1.
05. Packers vs. Bears
The two clubs have won a combined 22 NFL Championships, including 5 Super Bowls, and have 48 members in the Hall of Fame. The first meeting between the two teams took place on November 27, 1921.
04. USC vs. Notre Dame
USC and Notre Dame are among the most elite programs in college football history, with each school having won 11 National Championships and 7 Heisman Trophies. The rivalry, which began in 1926, is considered one of the most important rivalries in college football.
03. Lakers vs. Celtics
The two teams' 33 championships account for more than half of the 64 championships in NBA history. The majority of the championship games have featured the Lakers and the Celtics taking on each other.
02. Yankees vs. Red Sox
The Yankees and Red Sox have one of the oldest, most famous and fiercest rivalries in the history of American sports. The most famous name linked between these two teams, Babe Ruth, has been known as a savior to one team and curse to the other.
01. North Carolina vs. Duke
There is a 20 mile stretch of highway between Durham and Chapel Hill that connects these two historic programs and creates "The Battle of Tobacco Road". This rivalry is easily considered the greatest in college basketball, most would agree that it's the greatest in college sports, and it could be argued it is the greatest in all of sports. Duke and North Carolina have met 67 times when both teams were ranked in the Top 25. They are two of the top four winningest programs in history. Just go back and look at all the classic games between these two and I think it will justify the number one ranking.
Honorable Mention:
Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer
Montreal Canadians vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ali vs. Frazier
Redskins vs. Cowboys
Rivals aren't created over night. A true rivalry takes time, a rich history between two teams, and success unlike any other. The rivalry is an intense competition that is felt by players, coaches, and management, but is perhaps felt strongest by the fans. Rivalries match up teams based on one thing, shared success. Both teams have dominated their sport. When two rivals square off, it's a date circled on every fan's calendar. Isn't that what sports is all about?
I have compiled a list of best the best sporting rivalries of all time.
10. Army vs. Navy
It is one of the most traditional and enduring rivalries in college football. The first game between the two teams was played in 1890. What separates this rivalry from any other is the fact that once the pads are off and the players have graduated, they both have one goal, to defend our country.
09. Bulls vs. Pistons
Two names can sum up this rivalry, Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. This rivalry really took off in the late 1980's when Jordan's Bulls and the "Bad Boy" Pistons led by Thomas would battle it out for a trip to the NBA finals.
08. Giants vs. Dodgers
I think it's easy to say that this is one of the longest-standing and one of the most storied rivalries in the history of Major League Baseball. The rivalry took off in the late 19th century when both teams made their homes in the city of New York.
07. Auburn vs. Alabama
The Iron Bowl is considered one of the best and most hard-fought rivalries in all of sports. In 2009 and 2010, CBS arranged an agreement between the two universities to have the game played in an exclusive time slot on the Friday following Thanksgiving. However, when it comes to National Championships, Alabama takes the cake.
06. Michigan vs. Ohio State
The rivalry started when Ohio Stadium opened in 1922 and Michigan spoiled the party with a 22-0 victory. From 1970 through 1975, Michigan entered without a loss every year. The Wolverines won just once. Ohio State was 9-0-1 in 1993, 11-0 in 1995 and 10-0 in 1996. The Buckeyes lost each time. Is that not the definition of a rivalry? The one sided success of Ohio State in the last few years cause a dropped in my top ten list. If I made this list 10 years ago, it could easily be #1.
05. Packers vs. Bears
The two clubs have won a combined 22 NFL Championships, including 5 Super Bowls, and have 48 members in the Hall of Fame. The first meeting between the two teams took place on November 27, 1921.
04. USC vs. Notre Dame
USC and Notre Dame are among the most elite programs in college football history, with each school having won 11 National Championships and 7 Heisman Trophies. The rivalry, which began in 1926, is considered one of the most important rivalries in college football.
03. Lakers vs. Celtics
The two teams' 33 championships account for more than half of the 64 championships in NBA history. The majority of the championship games have featured the Lakers and the Celtics taking on each other.
02. Yankees vs. Red Sox
The Yankees and Red Sox have one of the oldest, most famous and fiercest rivalries in the history of American sports. The most famous name linked between these two teams, Babe Ruth, has been known as a savior to one team and curse to the other.
01. North Carolina vs. Duke
There is a 20 mile stretch of highway between Durham and Chapel Hill that connects these two historic programs and creates "The Battle of Tobacco Road". This rivalry is easily considered the greatest in college basketball, most would agree that it's the greatest in college sports, and it could be argued it is the greatest in all of sports. Duke and North Carolina have met 67 times when both teams were ranked in the Top 25. They are two of the top four winningest programs in history. Just go back and look at all the classic games between these two and I think it will justify the number one ranking.
Honorable Mention:
Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer
Montreal Canadians vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ali vs. Frazier
Redskins vs. Cowboys
Early Odds to Win 2012 Super Bowl
I noticed that the Vegas linemakers have released the odds on who will win next year's Super Bowl. The linemakers seem pretty impressed with the Packers, as they have labeled them as the favorite to win it all again. No suprise that they have the Patriots favored to take on Green Bay. It seems as if the Patriots are one of the top teams favored every year. Vegas is also high on the Steelers, Chargers, Saints, Colts and Ravens.
With that said, am I the only one that is skeptical about betting on next year's big game only days after the Packers won the 2011 Lombardi Trophy? I think we should be worrying about whether there will even be football next year, let alone who will win it all. What are the odds that a NFL lockout actually happens? I'm sure Vegas will let us know soon enough.
Here is a list of every NFL team and their Super Bowl odds for 2012.
Arizona Cardinals 75/1
Atlanta Falcons 16/1
Baltimore Ravens 14/1
Buffalo Bills 100/1
Carolina Panthers 125/1
Chicago Bears 25/1
Cincinnati Bengals 60/1
Cleveland Browns 65/1
Dallas Cowboys 16/1
Denver Broncos 60/1
Detroit Lions 40/1
Green Bay Packers 7/1
Houston Texans 35/1
Indianapolis Colts 14/1
Jacksonville Jaguars 65/1
Kansas City Chiefs 35/1
Miami Dolphins 50/1
Minnesota Vikings 40/1
New England Patriots 15/2
New Orleans Saints 14/1
New York Giants 18/1
New York Jets 14/1
Oakland Raiders 40/1
Philadelphia Eagles 16/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1
San Diego Chargers 12/1
San Francisco 49ers 40/1
Seattle Seahawks 80/1
St. Louis Rams 40/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35/1
Tennessee Titans 50/1
Washington Redskins 50/1
With that said, am I the only one that is skeptical about betting on next year's big game only days after the Packers won the 2011 Lombardi Trophy? I think we should be worrying about whether there will even be football next year, let alone who will win it all. What are the odds that a NFL lockout actually happens? I'm sure Vegas will let us know soon enough.
Here is a list of every NFL team and their Super Bowl odds for 2012.
Arizona Cardinals 75/1
Atlanta Falcons 16/1
Baltimore Ravens 14/1
Buffalo Bills 100/1
Carolina Panthers 125/1
Chicago Bears 25/1
Cincinnati Bengals 60/1
Cleveland Browns 65/1
Dallas Cowboys 16/1
Denver Broncos 60/1
Detroit Lions 40/1
Green Bay Packers 7/1
Houston Texans 35/1
Indianapolis Colts 14/1
Jacksonville Jaguars 65/1
Kansas City Chiefs 35/1
Miami Dolphins 50/1
Minnesota Vikings 40/1
New England Patriots 15/2
New Orleans Saints 14/1
New York Giants 18/1
New York Jets 14/1
Oakland Raiders 40/1
Philadelphia Eagles 16/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1
San Diego Chargers 12/1
San Francisco 49ers 40/1
Seattle Seahawks 80/1
St. Louis Rams 40/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35/1
Tennessee Titans 50/1
Washington Redskins 50/1
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Warm Welcome
Welcome to my blog, The Sports Nugget, "A View From The Cheap Seats".
I've been wanting to start up a sports blog for some time now and have finally got around to doing so. The theme to this blog is exactly what the sub heading says, "A View From The Cheap Seats". When the average fan goes to a sporting event, they enjoy the game from the mid level or upper level seating areas, also known as the cheap seats. This blog will work the exact same way. It will consist of my opinions, the average fan, on certain topics in the sporting world. I will most likely focus on the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA basketball, NCAA football, and any other hot topic regarding sports.
I want to make this page as interesting as possible. Not only will you be able to find posts from me, but you will be able to find posts from other sporting sites. For example, one post may consist of my thoughts. However, the next post could be from ESPN or Sports Illustrated. When I post something from another web site, I may or may not add my opinion on the topic or the article itself. Instead of having to go to three or four different web sites to read articles on the same topic, I want you to be able to come to this site and find all these articles at once. Not only will it save you time and make it easier for you, but it will also allow for the readers to leave comments and have a good discussion on the topic.
Any time there is breaking news I will have this site updated as quick as possible so you aren't the last one to know. I'm usually pretty good at finding breaking news as soon as it breaks. I have created a Twitter account for this site which will make it easier to post the breaking news. The Twitter account is linked to this site so you can either follow me on Twitter or just read the tweets at the top right hand corner. Any time there is a breaking news tweet, I will provide a more detailed post as soon as possible that will give you more insight on the topic.
All the information that is posted on this sight, that is not 100% mine, will be credited with who reported it and the website it came from. Any of the information that is mine is strictly my opinion and is not affiliated with anyone else.
This site will be a work in progress for a decent amount of time until I can get everything worked out. Please be patient and keep checking in whenever you get a chance. Like I previously said, I want this site to be as interesting as possible so you look forward to logging on here every day. With my passion for sports I think you will enjoy what this site has to offer.
Feel free to give me any ideas of what you would like to see covered and I will try my best to get it done. Any input will also be helpful, even if it's negative. I'm open to criticism. All I ask is for readers to respect not only my opinion but anyone else that my comment on a post. You are more than welcome to disagree with anyone on here but please don't get out of hand with responses.
Once again, thanks for visiting and please check back whenever you get the chance.
I've been wanting to start up a sports blog for some time now and have finally got around to doing so. The theme to this blog is exactly what the sub heading says, "A View From The Cheap Seats". When the average fan goes to a sporting event, they enjoy the game from the mid level or upper level seating areas, also known as the cheap seats. This blog will work the exact same way. It will consist of my opinions, the average fan, on certain topics in the sporting world. I will most likely focus on the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA basketball, NCAA football, and any other hot topic regarding sports.
I want to make this page as interesting as possible. Not only will you be able to find posts from me, but you will be able to find posts from other sporting sites. For example, one post may consist of my thoughts. However, the next post could be from ESPN or Sports Illustrated. When I post something from another web site, I may or may not add my opinion on the topic or the article itself. Instead of having to go to three or four different web sites to read articles on the same topic, I want you to be able to come to this site and find all these articles at once. Not only will it save you time and make it easier for you, but it will also allow for the readers to leave comments and have a good discussion on the topic.
Any time there is breaking news I will have this site updated as quick as possible so you aren't the last one to know. I'm usually pretty good at finding breaking news as soon as it breaks. I have created a Twitter account for this site which will make it easier to post the breaking news. The Twitter account is linked to this site so you can either follow me on Twitter or just read the tweets at the top right hand corner. Any time there is a breaking news tweet, I will provide a more detailed post as soon as possible that will give you more insight on the topic.
All the information that is posted on this sight, that is not 100% mine, will be credited with who reported it and the website it came from. Any of the information that is mine is strictly my opinion and is not affiliated with anyone else.
This site will be a work in progress for a decent amount of time until I can get everything worked out. Please be patient and keep checking in whenever you get a chance. Like I previously said, I want this site to be as interesting as possible so you look forward to logging on here every day. With my passion for sports I think you will enjoy what this site has to offer.
Feel free to give me any ideas of what you would like to see covered and I will try my best to get it done. Any input will also be helpful, even if it's negative. I'm open to criticism. All I ask is for readers to respect not only my opinion but anyone else that my comment on a post. You are more than welcome to disagree with anyone on here but please don't get out of hand with responses.
Once again, thanks for visiting and please check back whenever you get the chance.
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