2004

With 2005 just hours away, the sports world has witnessed another year nothing short of amazing. Some of the highlights...Boston winning its first World Series since 1918, with arguably the greatest comeback (and collapse Yankee fans) in sports history. The Olympics returned to its home in Athens and the Americans were dominant....basketball notwithstanding (embarassment)....The Patriots won another Superbowl and Tom Brady took home another Superbowl MVP...but no such Hollywood ending in LA. The soap opera that was Shaq and Kobe could not even bring home another title ...collapsing in front of the Pistons in the NBA championship and eventually going their seperate ways...Shaq to what looks to be a contender in the East in Miami and Kobe staying in LA with a team that could struggle to make the playoffs.....And just as one of baseball's best postseasons wrapped up the horizon looked bright for the MLB but then the dark cloud of Steroids reared its ugly head again. This time, one of baseball's most dominant player, Barry Bonds, caught in the middle. In what seems to be a pretty shady don't ask, don't tell agreement with his personal trainer, Bonds claimed he unknowingly used two steroids, the cream and the clear. His average, and discipline at the plate....unmatched....his home runs...questionable to say the least.....Lance Armstrong overcame a fall and won his 6th straight Tour de France...Right now it stands as one of the greatest stories and sports achievements/comebacks of all time ....amid rumors of doping and steroid use...but as for now Armstrong is clean, never tested positive, and stands as a Sports Hero...as he should unless proven otherwise....Phil Mickelson finally ousting his demon's and taking home his first green jacket and major which had always avoided him by the slightest of margins.... College Basketball...another heartstopping season...St. Joe's and Stanford both taking undefeated seasons to the end....but Stanford losing right before the postseason...and SJU losing in the A-10 tourney. SJU then making it to the Elite 8 in a run many found suprising before losing to Oklahoma State in a heartbreaker. And Okafor and Gordon leading UCONN to the NCAA title....The last quarter of '04 saw a record breaking quarterback in Indy, a rookie QB in the Steel city leading Pittsburg to the top of the
AFC, and TO helping the Eagles dominate a pathetic NFC reminiscent of the NBA East, before getting injured and making the road to the Superbowl tougher for the NFC championship-game-plagued Birds....The last few days have witnessed the passing of one of the greatest men to ever step onto a football field in Reggie White. On the field a feared defensive end...off the field a compassionate and loving family man and minister....And up to the ball drop there have continued to be sports moves with Randy Johnson days, maybe hours away from a possible trip to the Big Apple and a pinstriped Yankee uniform. Its been a roller coaster ride....Have a good new year and check back for the Orange Bowl report from the 50 yard line.