The Stars are Out: Sports That Aren't Baseball Edition

We'll start this Stars are Out cluster of, well, in my opinion, lesser sports, with a big one. A guy who's been waiting years to get a chance to win a Stanley Cup, and...finally nabs one. Alex Ovechkin, the closest thing Washington has to a superstar right now. I'm happy he finally got one, and that he looks really triumphant throwing out this first pitch at Nationals Park.

Onto a Chicago Blackhawk, Brian Campbell, who won a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks back in 2010, and is still going strong for them. Unlike Patrick Kane, who I customized in a Cubs card, Campbell seems pretty loyal to the South Side, which is a nice touch. The White Sox are one of those teams that does get a variety of different fringier people throwing out the first pitch, so seeing Campbell there is a nice change of pace.

Moving onto a recent NBA draftee, Donte DiVincenzo sported a cool little Brewers throwback jersey in making his mark as a Milwaukee Buck at Miller Park. As the Bucks haven't been relevant for a bit (speaking as a fringe NBA fan), hopefully DiVincenzo will help bring the team back...though, not enough to take down the 76ers or anything.

Yes, Olympic athletes count here too; Nastia Liukin, a former US Olympic gymnast who won a ton of medals for the country, and...if I recall correctly, did pretty well on Dancing With the Stars, was on hand to throw out the first pitch for the Angels, rather than appearing for the more-prevalent LA squad. Even though her gymnastics career seems to have concluded, she seems to be happy to be back in the spotlight in Anaheim.

And finally, I feel like Seattle legend Russell Wilson may have gotten a few decibels of applause when he showed up at Safeco Field. He's done a ton of Mariners first pitches, and this time he dressed down comparatively (no Mariners jersey or anything), but he does seem passionate about appealing to Seattle sports fans.

I'll have more of these soon, probably in the realm of entertainment and performers.

Thoughts on an impending Super Bowl

So, this is happening.

I know it isn't the least bit shocking that we have a Broncos-Seahawks Super Bowl on our hands, but let's at least pretend like it is. Pretend like we had absolutely no idea that in September the two best teams would make it to February.

This is gonna be tough.

Anyway, I am happy that both of these teams made it, because they were both better than the alternatives. I would not have liked a Pats-Niners series, because it would just be 3 hours of Harbaugh yelling and Belicheck glaring. Also, if the Pats won, uuuggghhhh.

So, now you're probably wondering who I want to win. Well, I'll make it simple. My uncle is a lifetime Seahawks fan, and he has endured so much shit over the last few decades that I've come to feel sorry for him. Especially after Brian Bosworth's acting career. So I have to say the Seahawks, because they seem like the more fun team, Sherman nonwithstanding.

I don't know, it could really go either way. It could be Peyton's game, or it could be Wilson's. I mean, there is only one way to find out. And I am relatively close to finding out close-hand.

NFC Championship- The next great QB matchup?

It's like they did this on purpose.

Three hours after having yet another Manning-Brady game, the playoffs boil down to a game between two of the best up-and-coming QBs in the game. Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson. And they're even coming from the same division.

Also, if you wanna talk about evenly matched, these two both have stellar offenses, tough defenses, great coaches and exemplary QBs.

Who I want to win: Seahawks

Not because they're the better team. Because I like them better. I like Pete Carroll more than Jim Harbaugh. I like Russell Wilson more than Colin Kaepernick. It's a team I generally like, and will generally root for.

Who the sportswriters are saying will win: Seahawks.

It's kinda like the Broncos. Even though they agree that the 49ers are tough as hell, and probably never cry, they said back in August that it would be the Seahawks, and dammit they will die by that prediction.

Who I'd rather not have win: 49ers

I should start by saying I've met the man on this custom, and he's a very nice, down to earth guy, who just so happen to always look like he wants to kill you. Which is why people are likening to Ray Lewis- great guy, but looks like people should check his trunk.
Anyway, the 49ers took down my Packers. Numerous times. In numerous seasons. And anyone who does that must pay.

Who should win: 49ers.

Of the two teams, they are the toughest, they have the strongest defense, and they have the most consistent core. Plus, they really, really want to get back to the Super Bowl.

 

Who will win: Seahawks.

I just think they're the better team, and I see them coming out on top today. I know that might be difficult with this 49ers team, but this is a team that is stronger than last year, with a more determined QB, and better receivers. If they don't win, oh well. I just think they will.