All of a sudden, the calendar reads the middle of October. Now is time to hit the pause button and see what is going on in the wide world of sports.
Take a moment to appreciate David Ortiz. Big Papi played his final game in Fenway Park to end a glorious career. Ortiz is one of the biggest personalities in all of sports. An incredible athlete and an incredible person. He has been the reason for plenty of emotion in Boston, and when he stepped out for his curtain call, it was just one more time.
Meanwhile, there is still baseball being played. The Divisional Series have wrapped up and the ALCS and NLCS are set.
The American League throws together two teams that haven’t played this late. The Blue Jays finds themselves back in October and into the ALCS for the second straight year. Bounced by the Royals last year, the Jays look to go back to the World Series. In their way are the Indians. It seems like 2016 is the year for Cleveland sports not named after a color. The Tribe are back in the ALCS for the first time since 2007 and look to make their first World Series since 1997.
The National League is even more interesting, since the lovable losers are back. The Cubs actually look good this year. There is something about that team that is special. Special enough to break the Curse of the Billy Goat? That is to be seen, but they just might be. The Dodgers offer a true test for the youthful Cubs.
Shifting sports, hockey is back. It got off to perhaps the craziest start, with a new star being born. Toronto’s Auston Matthews burst onto the scene, scoring four goals in his debut — and his first three shots were goals. To make the story better, the Maple Leafs lost. Just another way to show how cruel the sports would is. The NHL script writers have decided to go crazy already.
The Wild suffered an opening night loss in St. Louis. For the most part, the Wild looked good, though not sharp in the first. The lack of shots is a bit concerning, but it is early. As mentioned above with the script writers, would not be a surprise if the win the Cup this year.
The NFL gods have decided to throw everything at the Vikings. Injuries don’t seem like they are affecting the Vikes through the first five weeks. Undefeated, leading the division heading into the bye week. Viking fans have reason to cheer again, though conflict is scheduled for after the break. The fans of Wentz Dakota will be split as Minnesota travels to Philly next week.
Good news for Americans, Bob Bradley got a new job. The former U.S. Men’s National Team coach was appointed as the new manager of Swansea City in the English Premier League. Bradley is the first American to manage in the top flight of England. He has been a journeyman since his dismissal from the national team, but had success everywhere he went. Taking over the Welsh side represents the largest challenge, as survival this year is the goal for the club. In addition, the Swans face a difficult run of fixtures in the next month, with trips to Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham along with a visit from Manchester United in the next seven matches. Good luck to you Bob.