Bucket List of Sports

Writers at Sports Illustrated shared their “bucket list” of sports events – events they want to see before they die. That inspired me to share my own list.

I’m proud to say I’ve witnessed several exciting sports events in my life – White Sox-Mariners playoff game in 2000; the memorable “black-out” play-in game between the White Sox and Minnesota Twins last October; the 2006 World Figure Skating championships in Calgary; 2008 and 2009 national figure skating championships in St. Paul, Minn., and Cleveland; and the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the United Center in 2007. But there’s plenty more I want to see.

1. Kentucky Derby – Mint julep, anyone? I love a good horse race, and while I’ve been to Arlington Park Race course in suburban Chicago, it probably doesn’t compare to the tradition and excitement of the Derby.

2. Baseball World Series – I missed the opportunity to watch the White Sox in the 2005 Series, but I’m hoping for another chance.

3. Wimbledon – I watched a women’s pro tournament at the UIC Pavillion in the mid-90s, including Venus and Serena in a doubles match when they were mere teenagers. If I’m going to see a pro tournament, it might as well be the grandaddy of them all – Wimbledon.

4. NHL playoffs – With the Blackhawks reaching the Western Conference finals in the playoffs this year, my love of hockey has been reignited. With their young, talented team, there is no reason why the Hawks shouldn’t make a return trip to the playoffs over the next few seasons. The trick will be to get my hands on what is sure to be the hottest show in town.

5. Michael Phelps – As long as he continues to swim competitively, my desire to see him compete is alive and well.

6. Olympics in Chicago – If Chicago is named the host city for the 2016 Olympic Games, I will have a smorgasbord of events to choose from – diving, rowing, gymnastics, basketball. Even better would be to attend the opening ceremonies and the parade of nations.

7. Chicago Fire or Red Stars soccer – The Fire and Red Stars are Chicago’s two pro soccer teams (men’s and women’s soccer, respectively). I watched some soccer while attending a small college. The team was one of the best in the nation, having won eight NAIA titles in 13 seasons. I’m eager to see the Fire and Red Stars at Toyota Park.

8. WNBA – Rumor has it the WNBA is struggling and could be the next league to fold after the Arena Football League suspended operations last week. If that’s the case, then I should check out the improved Chicago Sky this season. Runner up: NBA playoff game featuring the Bulls. Again finding a ticket for the pro game is tricky.

9. Snowboarding – I was fascinated watching the snowboarding competition during the 2006 Torino Olympics on TV. These guys and gals look like they’re having a blast, and it must be even more fun to watch them in person.

10. Gymnastics – When I was in high school, I had to learn to do a routine on the balance beam and uneven parallel bars, and I’m not athletically inclined. I have a tremendous appreciation for what these young men and women do on these apparatuses.

Cotts' Wishful Thinking

New Cubs' pitcher Neal Cotts has some pretty ambitious ideas. Cotts and his agent negotiated a $150,000 bonus in his contract with the Cubs -- for being named World Series MVP, according to a Chicago Tribune story.

This is laughable. His success with the Chicago White Sox and winning a World Series championship in 2005 must have gone to his head. Does Cotts realize what team he's dealing with? This is the Chicago Cubs, a team that has not gone to the World Series since 1945 and has not won one in nearly a century. Does he really think the Cubs will win a World Series while he is with the team? Even if they did, the chances that Cotts would be named MVP is slim. He'd have better luck playing the Illinois State lottery. Good luck.

Don’t Rain on the World Series Parade

Weather usually isn’t much of an issue during most baseball postseasons. That is, until this year when rain, wind and chilly temperatures forced two games to be postponed, including Wednesday’s game 4 of the World Series between the Cards and Tigers. The two postponements have prompted some sports analysts to suggest that the World Series should be played in a neutral, warm-weather venue, just like the Superbowl.

“I would never go for that,” says Detroit Tiger manager Jim Leyland. “I love this. I don’t care how miserable it is. It would be a crying shame to take something like this away from the St. Louis fans or the Detroit fans.”

I agree. In a seven-game series, it’s more fun to watch hometown fans cheer for their teams, waving rally towels and wearing the team’s colors. Local fans experience the pride and joy of being present at the game in their home town rather than flying to another part of the country. Even if fans don’t get a chance to attend the game, savoring when your home team is in the Fall Classic has a special feeling.

Game 2 of the 2005 World Series between the White Sox and the Anaheim Angels was classic. The two teams played the entire game in the rain. It was cold, it was blustery, and it was a memorable experience for those who were there (including one of my baseball buddies). It adds to the excitement of the World Series, and I wouldn’t want to have it played any other way.