And now comes the post that so many people were waiting to see... the 40s...
40 - Henrik Zetterberg: Like many of my numbers, a Detroit Red Wing comes in with the 4-0. Hank has become a true leader on the Red Wings team and game-in and game-out he plays his heart out for the City of Detroit. While an absolute goofball (that is his wedding picture), he would be my best guess to wear the captain's patch once Lidstrom retires. Honorable mentions go to Gale Sayers and Pat Tillman.
41 - Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk has been a star in the NBA for years now. But, last summer, he officially flourished and lead his team to an NBA Championship. He is 41. Heck, his Twitter handle is @swish41 .
42 - Jerry Stackhouse: This will be a highly debated one. Forty-two is a bit of an honored number in my household. I wore it in basketball. My brothers have worn it. We are big fans of the 4-2. And, for me, it goes back to Stackhouse. I chose to wear 42 because of Stack and that is who I think of. Honorable mentions go out to Jackie Robinson, Mariano Rivera (who has an absolutely phenomenal entrance song), Michael Kielczewski, and now Aaron Schoenfeldt.
43 - Richard Petty: While this may bring up the whole debate of whether or not car racing is a "sport" or if a driver is an "athlete", but "The King" is who I think of when I think of 43. Petty made NASCAR what it is today. An honorable mention goes out to Darren Helm.
44 - Todd Bertuzzi: While the man probably isn't the NICEST guy out there, he is a a great athlete and is certainly the first one I think of in regards to 44. Honorable mentions go out to Hank Aaron, George "The Iceman" Gervin, and Jerry West.
45 - Michael Jordan's Comeback: This may not be an exactly normal one. But, when people talk about "wearing the 4-5", they reference Jordan's Comeback. The Bulls had retired 23 for Jordan, and so when he came out of retirement, he had to wear 45 until they took his number down from the rafters. An honorable mention goes out to Rudy Tomjanovich.
46 - Andy Pettite: Heck of a pitcher while with the Yankees. He dominated the AL East year after year. Lost of bit of his lore after it was revealed he had used steroids.
47 - Tom Glavine: Heck of a pitcher while with the Braves. He dominated the NL East year after year. Lost a bit of his lore after joining the Mets. (Some absolute quality information given for both Glavine and Pettite no?)
48 - Torii Hunter: Hunter played lights out defense while manning center field for the Minnesota Twins. He has still played quite well for the Angels, but he truly had his all-star years in Minneapolis.
49 - Ron Guidry: Four-time all star, two time World Series Champion, 1978 AL Cy Young Winner, and number retired by the Yankees... I'd say he best represents 49.
And that concludes 40-49... and... oh my... WE'VE REACHED THE HALF WAY POINT!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Athletes by the Number: 30-39
As we hit the fourth installment of this wonderful list, I just wanted to remind everyone that this is the list of people I think of when I think of the number... and I do plan on doing a G.O.A.T. List for 00-99... and it will be awesome...
Moving on...
30 - Chris Osgood: A major contributor to the Detroit Red Wings for over ten years, he backed up Mike Vernon for the '97 Stanley Cup, won the '98 Stanley Cup, and split time with Dominik Hasek during the Stanley Cup Season of 2007-2008. Terrell Davis is an honorable mention.
31 - Grant Fuhr: Hall of Fame Goalie. Defined goaltending for almost 20 years. Wayne Gretzky has time in and time out said that Fuhr is the best goaltender he ever played with.
32 - Jim Brown: Considered to be one of the greatest athletes ever produced by the United States, Jim Brown set rushing record after rushing record with the Cleveland Browns. Brown retired after only his eighth season so that he could pursue his acting career. Honorable mentions go out to Richard Hamilton, Anthony Thomas, and most importantly, Magic Johnson.
33 - Kris Draper: While Draper is certainly a bit of a regional choice, he was a staple of the Detroit Red Wings for over 15 years. He was a member of all four Stanley Cup Championships that I was alive for. He defined 33 to me. Honorable mentions would include Patrick Roy, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
34 - Walter Payton: Sweetness. He carried the Chicago Bears to Super Bowl XX and was one of the G.O.A.T. I feel like I keeping saying that. But, when it is that obvious, I suppose it is what it is.
35 - Justin Verlander: The man has turned into a rock star. He even has his own cereal. If he leads the Tigers to a World Series along with the help of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder this season, he will be considered to be one of the G.O.A.T. Honorable mentions go out to Jimmy Howard and Frank Thomas.
36 - Rasheed Wallace: This has a lot to do with the whole "being a Detroit sports fan thing" but Rasheed made the Pistons into not just a great team, but a championship team.
37 - Shaun Alexander: To be completely honest, I just can't really think of anyone else who wore the 3-7. Perhaps Olaf Kolzig?
38 - Curt Schilling: The 2004 ALCS. Game 6. The bloody sock. Enough Said.
39 - Dominik Hasek: "The Dominator" stood on his head over and over again protecting the pipes for the Blackhawks, Sabres, and Red Wings. A picture of him jumping up and down after winning the gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics still sits in my mind as one of the great Olympic Moments... strangely...
Ready... set... discuss...
Moving on...
30 - Chris Osgood: A major contributor to the Detroit Red Wings for over ten years, he backed up Mike Vernon for the '97 Stanley Cup, won the '98 Stanley Cup, and split time with Dominik Hasek during the Stanley Cup Season of 2007-2008. Terrell Davis is an honorable mention.
31 - Grant Fuhr: Hall of Fame Goalie. Defined goaltending for almost 20 years. Wayne Gretzky has time in and time out said that Fuhr is the best goaltender he ever played with.
32 - Jim Brown: Considered to be one of the greatest athletes ever produced by the United States, Jim Brown set rushing record after rushing record with the Cleveland Browns. Brown retired after only his eighth season so that he could pursue his acting career. Honorable mentions go out to Richard Hamilton, Anthony Thomas, and most importantly, Magic Johnson.
33 - Kris Draper: While Draper is certainly a bit of a regional choice, he was a staple of the Detroit Red Wings for over 15 years. He was a member of all four Stanley Cup Championships that I was alive for. He defined 33 to me. Honorable mentions would include Patrick Roy, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
34 - Walter Payton: Sweetness. He carried the Chicago Bears to Super Bowl XX and was one of the G.O.A.T. I feel like I keeping saying that. But, when it is that obvious, I suppose it is what it is.
35 - Justin Verlander: The man has turned into a rock star. He even has his own cereal. If he leads the Tigers to a World Series along with the help of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder this season, he will be considered to be one of the G.O.A.T. Honorable mentions go out to Jimmy Howard and Frank Thomas.
36 - Rasheed Wallace: This has a lot to do with the whole "being a Detroit sports fan thing" but Rasheed made the Pistons into not just a great team, but a championship team.
37 - Shaun Alexander: To be completely honest, I just can't really think of anyone else who wore the 3-7. Perhaps Olaf Kolzig?
38 - Curt Schilling: The 2004 ALCS. Game 6. The bloody sock. Enough Said.
39 - Dominik Hasek: "The Dominator" stood on his head over and over again protecting the pipes for the Blackhawks, Sabres, and Red Wings. A picture of him jumping up and down after winning the gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics still sits in my mind as one of the great Olympic Moments... strangely...
Ready... set... discuss...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Athletes by the Number: 20-29
Next installmentt in 3...2...1...
20 - Barry Sanders: While he was truly a hero to my sports region, Barry Sanders was one of the greatest of all time. He kept the Detroit Lions relevant... sort of... Honorable mentions go out to Mickey Redmond and Mike Hart.
21 - Desmond Howard: Again, this is a bit of a region thing, but seriously... who else do you think of when you think of the Heisman? An honorable mention goes out to "Neon" Deion Sanders.
22 - Emmitt Smith: Another one of the G.O.A.T. Smith, along with Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin defined the Cowboys of the 90s.
23 - Michael Jordan: Too easy... even some of the greats have worn 23 in honor of him (LeBron James and David Beckham have both worn 23 in honor).
24 - Ken Griffey Jr.: If you grew up in the 90s, and had any interest in sports, especially baseball, or I suppose watched any sports highlights, ever, you saw Junior on your television screen. He is 24 to me. Honorable mentions to Chris Chelios, Willie Mays, and Kobe Bryant.
25* - Barry Bonds: While the man is more or less scum to us baseball loving folk, he is certainly who I think of when I think of 25. A/an (dis)honorable mention goes to Mark McGwire. I feel obligated to put an asterisk at this number.
26 - Jiri Hudler: While he is one of my favorite current members of the Wings, he is the only one I can really think of. I suppose an honorable mention could go to Rod Woodson?
27 - Juan Marichal: I only remember Juan because of an old highlight tape I used to watch. But, the "Dominican Dandy" was a premier pitcher of the 1960s and pops into my head as far as anyone wearing the 2-7.
28 - Marshall Faulk: The workhorse member of the "Greatest Show on Turf", Faulk lead the resurgance of the St. Louis Rams along with Kurt Warner all the way to Super Bowl XXIV.
29 - Eric Dickerson: While playing in the NFL for 10 years and rushing for over 13,000 yards, Dickerson made rec-specs look good. Dickerson, an All-American at Southern Methodist, in my mind, is as synonymous with 29 as he is with his rec-specs.
Now let the debating begin...
Look for 30-39 sometime tomorrow!
20 - Barry Sanders: While he was truly a hero to my sports region, Barry Sanders was one of the greatest of all time. He kept the Detroit Lions relevant... sort of... Honorable mentions go out to Mickey Redmond and Mike Hart.
21 - Desmond Howard: Again, this is a bit of a region thing, but seriously... who else do you think of when you think of the Heisman? An honorable mention goes out to "Neon" Deion Sanders.
22 - Emmitt Smith: Another one of the G.O.A.T. Smith, along with Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin defined the Cowboys of the 90s.
23 - Michael Jordan: Too easy... even some of the greats have worn 23 in honor of him (LeBron James and David Beckham have both worn 23 in honor).
24 - Ken Griffey Jr.: If you grew up in the 90s, and had any interest in sports, especially baseball, or I suppose watched any sports highlights, ever, you saw Junior on your television screen. He is 24 to me. Honorable mentions to Chris Chelios, Willie Mays, and Kobe Bryant.
25* - Barry Bonds: While the man is more or less scum to us baseball loving folk, he is certainly who I think of when I think of 25. A/an (dis)honorable mention goes to Mark McGwire. I feel obligated to put an asterisk at this number.
26 - Jiri Hudler: While he is one of my favorite current members of the Wings, he is the only one I can really think of. I suppose an honorable mention could go to Rod Woodson?
27 - Juan Marichal: I only remember Juan because of an old highlight tape I used to watch. But, the "Dominican Dandy" was a premier pitcher of the 1960s and pops into my head as far as anyone wearing the 2-7.
28 - Marshall Faulk: The workhorse member of the "Greatest Show on Turf", Faulk lead the resurgance of the St. Louis Rams along with Kurt Warner all the way to Super Bowl XXIV.
29 - Eric Dickerson: While playing in the NFL for 10 years and rushing for over 13,000 yards, Dickerson made rec-specs look good. Dickerson, an All-American at Southern Methodist, in my mind, is as synonymous with 29 as he is with his rec-specs.
Now let the debating begin...
Look for 30-39 sometime tomorrow!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Athletes by the Number: 10-19
The second installment of my Athletes by the Number segment... time to deal with the teens...
10 - Tom Brady: Much like Drew Henson being my number 7, I automatically tie the number 10 to Tom Brady due to his playing time at Michigan. It is not a Tom Brady Lovefest due to his play in the NFL or his marriage to Gisele. This is from his days in Ann Arbor and his Orange Bowl victory. An honorable mention goes out to Charlie Batch.
11 - Louis Bullock: I'm going to stop explaining my love for Michigan Wolverines while growing up and just say this... Louis Bullock was my favorite player. The rest of my family cheered on Robbie Reid and I was all in for Louis Bullock. Roy Williams while playing for the Lions would certainly be an honorable mention.
12 - Scott Dreisbach: He is the first quarterback at Michigan that I can honestly remember watching and cheering on specifically. His win over Virginia in the Pigskin Classic to open the 1995 season will live on in college football infamy.
13 - Alex Rodriguez: While I would love to name off an athlete that I like, or one that has never cheated in his life, at this point, it is A-Rod as far as number 13. I picture those pinstripes and his 1-3 on his back.
14 - Brian Griese: Again, this is more or less a Michigan Quarterback lovefest for this section so far. But Griese, as sad as this might be, defined my childhood. Him, Charles Woodson, Tai Streets, Jon Jansen, and the rest of the 1997 Michigan Football Team brought back the National Championship to Ann Arbor and I was an impressionable 8 year old kid at the time.
15 - Pat Verbeek: Now I admit, this one is weird. And I don't exactly know why, but when I see the number 15, I instantly think Pat Verbeek. Steve Breaston is a quick number two, but Verbeek, an NHL Journeyman, who had his cup of coffee with the Red Wings, wore the 1-5 and he is the first one that pops to mind. Brandon Inge is also an honorable mention.
16 - Denard Robinson: There have been many a number 16 over the years. But, right now, the only number 16 that matters is Robinson. I really feel weird in admitting this, but I've even told someone before that when I see the number 16 I instantly think of Denard. It is a tad bit weird. Honorable mentions include John Navarre and Vladimir Konstantinov.
17 - Doug Brown: I think this again sort of ties to the Pat Verbeek one. The Red Wings were a staple of my childhood and Doug Brown was a key member of some of the great teams I watched.
18 - Kirk Maltby: Having very recently retired, Maltby was too a staple of my sports watching for over 10 years.
19 - Steve Yzerman: Much like Charles Woodson at number 2, this one is too easy and self explanatory. Scott Mitchell doesn't have anything on Stevie Y.
With the next installment we will be taking on 20-29...
10 - Tom Brady: Much like Drew Henson being my number 7, I automatically tie the number 10 to Tom Brady due to his playing time at Michigan. It is not a Tom Brady Lovefest due to his play in the NFL or his marriage to Gisele. This is from his days in Ann Arbor and his Orange Bowl victory. An honorable mention goes out to Charlie Batch.
11 - Louis Bullock: I'm going to stop explaining my love for Michigan Wolverines while growing up and just say this... Louis Bullock was my favorite player. The rest of my family cheered on Robbie Reid and I was all in for Louis Bullock. Roy Williams while playing for the Lions would certainly be an honorable mention.
12 - Scott Dreisbach: He is the first quarterback at Michigan that I can honestly remember watching and cheering on specifically. His win over Virginia in the Pigskin Classic to open the 1995 season will live on in college football infamy.
13 - Alex Rodriguez: While I would love to name off an athlete that I like, or one that has never cheated in his life, at this point, it is A-Rod as far as number 13. I picture those pinstripes and his 1-3 on his back.
14 - Brian Griese: Again, this is more or less a Michigan Quarterback lovefest for this section so far. But Griese, as sad as this might be, defined my childhood. Him, Charles Woodson, Tai Streets, Jon Jansen, and the rest of the 1997 Michigan Football Team brought back the National Championship to Ann Arbor and I was an impressionable 8 year old kid at the time.
15 - Pat Verbeek: Now I admit, this one is weird. And I don't exactly know why, but when I see the number 15, I instantly think Pat Verbeek. Steve Breaston is a quick number two, but Verbeek, an NHL Journeyman, who had his cup of coffee with the Red Wings, wore the 1-5 and he is the first one that pops to mind. Brandon Inge is also an honorable mention.
16 - Denard Robinson: There have been many a number 16 over the years. But, right now, the only number 16 that matters is Robinson. I really feel weird in admitting this, but I've even told someone before that when I see the number 16 I instantly think of Denard. It is a tad bit weird. Honorable mentions include John Navarre and Vladimir Konstantinov.
17 - Doug Brown: I think this again sort of ties to the Pat Verbeek one. The Red Wings were a staple of my childhood and Doug Brown was a key member of some of the great teams I watched.
18 - Kirk Maltby: Having very recently retired, Maltby was too a staple of my sports watching for over 10 years.
19 - Steve Yzerman: Much like Charles Woodson at number 2, this one is too easy and self explanatory. Scott Mitchell doesn't have anything on Stevie Y.
With the next installment we will be taking on 20-29...
Friday, February 24, 2012
Athletes by the Number: 0-9
I've decided it would be fun to list off an athlete for each number 0-99 that first comes to mind for me. Now, these are who come to MY mind first. Just a fun list...
This will be the first of my ten installments...
0 - Zack Novak: Quite possibly the hardest working man in NCAA Basketball and certainly one of the most sore. How many charges has he taken this season? A gazillion?
1 - Braylon Edwards: Certainly a sign of the times. I'm sure some people will be like, "Um... Anthony Carter?" But, for me, it is Braylon. He is the first one that comes to mind when I think of #1.
2 - Charles Woodson: Too easy. Next...
3 - Alan Trammell: Grew up watching him. Enjoyed his time as manager of the Tigers. Hope that one day he'll be back around the program.
4 - Joe Dumars: While I'm sure many of you instantly thought of former Detroit Red Wing Uwe Krupp, Joe D was the man in Detroit. While the end of his career was spent in teal and... maroon I guess, he was a key member of the championship squads of '89 and '90.
5 - Nicklas Lidstrom: While there is The Captain, Nick has done a solid job filling in for Stevie Y stepped down. One of the greatest Red Wings of all-time, he has defined defensive play in hockey for two decades.
6 - LeBron James: It kills me to say it but at this point, he is number 6 in my mind... although there is certainly an honorable mentions to Prescott Burgess and Victor Hobson...
7 - Drew Henson: I had his jersey (although I got it right before he left, so whenever I wore it again I told everyone that it was a Spencer Brinton jersey). He was a local Southeast Michigan boy. He is who comes to mind.
8 - Troy Aikman and Steve Young: The first Super Bowl that I honestly remember being excited for and watching attentively was Super Bowl XXX. Aikman beat the Steelers for the W. Young and Jerry Rice owned the 90s out in San Fran. These two quarterbacks defined the NFL while I was in elementary school.
9 - Brendan Morrison: This has a lot to do again with who I grew up watching and when I started watching sports. His goal to win Michigan an NCAA Championship in OT was craziness. It is a vague memory, but a memory nonetheless. Honorable mentions certainly go to Gordie Howe and Matthew Stafford. Gordie Howe, while important to me growing up as a Red Wings fan, was more pointed out the first time I ever watched "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Stafford is certainly making a name for himself in these parts and he could become the #9 in my mind some day soon...
This will be the first of my ten installments...
0 - Zack Novak: Quite possibly the hardest working man in NCAA Basketball and certainly one of the most sore. How many charges has he taken this season? A gazillion?
1 - Braylon Edwards: Certainly a sign of the times. I'm sure some people will be like, "Um... Anthony Carter?" But, for me, it is Braylon. He is the first one that comes to mind when I think of #1.
2 - Charles Woodson: Too easy. Next...
3 - Alan Trammell: Grew up watching him. Enjoyed his time as manager of the Tigers. Hope that one day he'll be back around the program.
4 - Joe Dumars: While I'm sure many of you instantly thought of former Detroit Red Wing Uwe Krupp, Joe D was the man in Detroit. While the end of his career was spent in teal and... maroon I guess, he was a key member of the championship squads of '89 and '90.
5 - Nicklas Lidstrom: While there is The Captain, Nick has done a solid job filling in for Stevie Y stepped down. One of the greatest Red Wings of all-time, he has defined defensive play in hockey for two decades.
6 - LeBron James: It kills me to say it but at this point, he is number 6 in my mind... although there is certainly an honorable mentions to Prescott Burgess and Victor Hobson...
7 - Drew Henson: I had his jersey (although I got it right before he left, so whenever I wore it again I told everyone that it was a Spencer Brinton jersey). He was a local Southeast Michigan boy. He is who comes to mind.
8 - Troy Aikman and Steve Young: The first Super Bowl that I honestly remember being excited for and watching attentively was Super Bowl XXX. Aikman beat the Steelers for the W. Young and Jerry Rice owned the 90s out in San Fran. These two quarterbacks defined the NFL while I was in elementary school.
9 - Brendan Morrison: This has a lot to do again with who I grew up watching and when I started watching sports. His goal to win Michigan an NCAA Championship in OT was craziness. It is a vague memory, but a memory nonetheless. Honorable mentions certainly go to Gordie Howe and Matthew Stafford. Gordie Howe, while important to me growing up as a Red Wings fan, was more pointed out the first time I ever watched "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Stafford is certainly making a name for himself in these parts and he could become the #9 in my mind some day soon...
Monday, February 13, 2012
Top 5 Valentine's Day Related Sports Names
1. Bobby Valentine: I mean, the guy's last name is Valentine. I think he wins.2. Mike Hart: One of Michigan's greatest running backs ever. He played tough every down. No one ever questioned his heart... hahaha, ok. Bad joke.
3. Red Berenson: While his first name isn't actually Red (it is Gordon), many say his name came from his love of Valentine's Day. He would sing love songs, give out candy, and consistently romance the ladies back in the day. There may be little to no proof of this, but we have all the evidence we need with that sparkle in his eye that comes around this time of the year.
4. Pete Rose: Charlie Hustle's family name came from the countless rose garden's they grew across the country side... or something like that.
5a. Coco Crisp: While he sounds more like a delicious cereal, every guy knows that the key to a girl's heart is through this guy's first name.
5b. Babe Ruth: Who doesn't want a hot babe for a date on Valentine's Day?
Honorable Mention. Kevin Love: I would have him on the list except for the fact that I have had a general disdain for that man ever since he played against Michigan in late 2007. I hear he's a very nice guy though.
Honorable Mention. Kevin Love: I would have him on the list except for the fact that I have had a general disdain for that man ever since he played against Michigan in late 2007. I hear he's a very nice guy though.
Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful SAINT Valentine's Day (yes... it is a saint's feast day, not just a Hallmark created event for men to spend way too much money to impress their significant other) and I leave you with a message from Zach Randolph...
Monday, February 6, 2012
Super Bowl XLVI in Recap
If anyone tries to tell me that Eli Manning is a better quarterback than Tom Brady, or better yet his brother Peyton, they have no idea what they are talking about. To be honest, I still do not believe that Eli Manning is a top-tier quarterback. Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl. Fran Tarkenton went 0-3. Heck, even Jim Kelly went 0-4. Super Bowls are important, but I would still easily rank Dan Marino ahead of Mr. Elisha Nelson Manning. Anyway, congratulations to the New York Giants and former Michigan players Mario Manningham, David Baas, Jerald Ingram and former assistant coach Jim Herrmann. I was rooting for the Patriots and was disappointed just like I was four years ago... oh well...
Favorite Super Bowl Commercial? This one...
Least Favorite Super Bowl Commercial? This one...
Totally Awesome Commercial That Automatically Is My Favorite Even Though The M&M's One Was Cool? This one...
All in all, it was a pretty great game. You can't complain too much when a game comes down to a final play. And Rob Gronkowski was one healthy ankle away from making that catch at the end! Oh well. I hope the New York Giants fans enjoy this time, but know that next year the Motor City Kitties will be playing in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. GO LIONS!
Favorite Super Bowl Commercial? This one...
Least Favorite Super Bowl Commercial? This one...
Totally Awesome Commercial That Automatically Is My Favorite Even Though The M&M's One Was Cool? This one...
All in all, it was a pretty great game. You can't complain too much when a game comes down to a final play. And Rob Gronkowski was one healthy ankle away from making that catch at the end! Oh well. I hope the New York Giants fans enjoy this time, but know that next year the Motor City Kitties will be playing in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. GO LIONS!
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