The Cerebral Sport

As I sat and watched a softball game recently, I realized that I knew how the play was going to develop before the pitch was even thrown. It was then that I came to the conclusion that the sports of baseball and softball both require a heightened sense of awareness and a better knowledge of the game than other sports.

A good ball player could be described as someone who can hit well, field well, and run well. Knowledge of the game is something that can't be measured, which is why it is often overlooked by fans of the game. It's something that you look past when you see an incredible play. It can be the difference between scoring a run or being thrown out at the plate, winning and losing.

Physical intangibles are important in every sport, but intelligence isn't always a necessity. Let's use football for example. Athleticism, tenacity, and a good work ethic is what it takes to be a good football player. Simply put, football as a whole requires much less intelligence and awareness to have success. In baseball, knowing the game is just as important as a fast 60 yard dash time or a cannon arm. Those physical aspects cannot be put into effective use if you don't know what the situation is, where the ball could be going, where you are going to need to be, and where your opponent is going to be. This aspect of the game is more prevalent than in any other sport.

Even as I am typing this, the Sunday Night Baseball team of John Miller, Joe Morgan, and Oral Hershiser are talking about the importance of basic fundamental execution. Once I finally came to this glorious realization, my appreciation for the game has sky rocketed. Mental stimulation will become just as important as visual. Hopefully the next time you flip the ball game on, you'll find the same appreciation for the game as I have.

NBA All-Star Weekend

After watching today's festivities for the All-Star game I feel pretty empty. The game of H.O.R.S.E had some moments of entertainment but it drug on what seemed like forever. The only bright spot was the ending as Rajon Rondo and Kevin Durant hit a long string of three point shots with Durant being the victor.

The three point contest was probably the highlight of the evening which ended in a battle between rookie star Stephan Curry and Celtics star Paul Pierce. It came down to the wire with Pierce prevailing, but the excitement that Pierce displayed after winning was what truly made it special.

Now I must talk about the final event of the evening, the Dunking Contest. All week I watched highlights of the greatest dunks from years past and then today, I saw things that I could see at the Intramural Building on campus. With only notable highlight from Demar DeRozan, I wonder why the NBA's biggest stars won't participate? What is LeBron's beef with participation? Jordan did it, Vince Carter did it, and even Kobe did it. So if the NBA keeps getting guys that aren't gonna put show, then I probably won't watch and neither will anyone else. C'mon the three point contest was more interesting for crying sakes.

What a fantastic week this is!

I would first like to apologize to all of my fans for my recent leave from the blog. Finals week came and I tailed off from the blog but I am back in the swing of things and have some things that I would like to talk about.

First off I am struggling to decide which I am more excited for, The Super Bowl or The Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. One marking the end of a season and the other marking the beginning of a new year. Some may think that I am foolish for comparing the magnitude of the Super Bowl with the less renown Bud Shootout, but I challenge you to sit and watch the coverage leading up to the race and not feel even a hint of excitement.

Also let us not forget the national holiday that took place yesterday in the world of college football. National Signing Day, a stimulus package for every college football program across the nation, the day when those blue chip recruits finalize where they will be attending college for the next three to four years. An exciting day for any avid college football player.

I would like to end my first post since my leave of absence with my prediction for the Super Bowl. I really like the Saints with the spread in this game. If Dwight Freeney plays, I doubt he will have anywhere near the impact that he has throughout this post season. Peyton Manning is the best in the business but an opportunistic Saints defense will be more formidable than most fans think. Give me Drew Brees and a five and a half point spread and that is my winner.